Restoration of the façade of the church dedicated to St Mark in Rabat has been given the go-ahead by the Planning Authority.
The works will include the removal of all metal inserts, dead cables and cement renders and address the deterioration of stone caused by the weather and pollution.
The restoration method statement has been endorsed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.
Construction on the church, based on a design by Girolomo Cassar, started in 1571 and was completed by 1588.
Although along the years some changes to the interior were made, the original structure is still Cassar's. The church, which forms part of the adjacent Augustinian monastery is decorated with a portico which enriches its harmonious façade.