The preservation of St John’s Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, and its priceless art collections are the focus of the extension and refurbishment of the museum there.
The cemetery in the courtyard, said to hold the remains of knights who fell in the Great Siege, transferred there from Vittoriosa, was completely destroyed during World War II. Presently, there is an ugly and disproportionate concrete platform constructed in the 1960s when any bones retrieved were placed under the commemorative monument. St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation’s plan specially focuses on refurbishing this area.
The concrete platform will be redefined with a specifically-designed elegant marble podium engraved with the names of knights transferred here. With the entrance and exit from Merchants Street through the modern arches, also built in the 1960s, the commemorative monument will, indeed, be given the attention it deserves as the visitors’ tour will start from this point with an explanation on the audio guide highlighting its history.
It will neither be covered, nor built on.
No desecration or disrespect will take place because there are no graves in this area. The courtyard is no longer a cemetery. The view of the courtyard from street level on Merchant Street will be enhanced to evoke interest and also allow better circulation around the monument.
The much-required hall to exhibit the largest 17th century tapestry set based on the creations of the world-renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens will be on the first floor, above the arches. The foundation is obliged to correctly display this dazzling set of tapestries in the right conservation environment where they can be enjoyed and studied after the painstakingly delicate and costly restoration. It would also be a unique experience to see all the tapestries in one room.
The foundation is continuously investing all its proceeds towards the restoration and conservation of the treasures, the co-cathedral and the museum. It is high time the museum provides the space and means to give visitors an educational and comfortable visit that is now expected by the experienced travellers. The foundation considers this project as one of national importance and will ensure that all Maltese citizens will be made proud of this unique heritage site.