Historical graffiti etched into the walls of Fort St Elmo are being uncovered as works inch closer to the day when the spectacular fort and its chequered history will be open for all to admire.
As the old walls are cleaned up in the extensive restoration works, the centuries-old marks are being exposed again, revealing names and dates carved in intricate Latin lettering as well as designs such as an elaborate Maltese cross.
Engraved on a wall in a dark, underground cell is the name “Mannarino”, indicating where priest Gaetano Mannarino was imprisoned after plotting a revolt to oust the Knights of St John from Malta in the 18th century.
The EU-funded, €15.3 million project implemented by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation in collaboration with Heritage Malta will include the relocation of the War Museum, which will be spread over a larger area on the second floor.
This military history museum will span from prehistory to present times. Military vehicles that are in reserve collections, such as an ambulance and a fire engine, will be put on display.
A call for tenders will soon be issued to fit out the museum, run by Heritage Malta.
The fort is expected to be completed by April 2014
President George Abela and Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi yesterday toured the complex, which incorporates two sections being covered by the project: Fort St Elmo and the Carafa Enceinte (the outer parts of the fort), entrance to the latter to be free of charge.
Works on the fort have unearthed a multitude of tunnels and blocked stairways. During works originally aimed at installing one of the lifts, historians identified a wall that formed part of the star-like shape of the fort before it was extended. The lift will now be moved elsewhere to allow the wall to be exhibited to the public.
Many of the fort’s unique features will be retained, such as the grooves made by shrapnel after a bomb landed on the roof during World War II, killing six soldiers.
Addressing the press, Mr Mizzi said the target dates were being kept and held out the works as a prime example of how all infrastructural works should be executed in Malta. He praised the corporation for keeping to the projected targets and for not incurring extra expenses.
The fort is expected to be completed by April 2014.