Conservation work on the monuments at the Maglio Gardens in Floriana is proceeding at a brisk pace, with no less than five of the nine having been restored to their pristine state.

Since the start of the implementation of the project last April, the Heritage ResCo conservation team, which has been entrusted with the conservation-restoration of the monuments, has completed work on those commemorating philanthropist Giovanni Di Nicolò Pappaffy, Sir Hannibal Scicluna, Sir Filippo Sceberras, Marquis Joseph Scicluna and Sir Adrian Dingli.

Works on the monuments are generally addressing the effects of unfavourable atmospheric conditions, in particular the natural weathering process caused mainly by salt deposition, as well as the effects of vandalism.

“Restoration work on the remaining monuments, namely those commemorating Sir Hugo Mifsud, Marquis Vincenzo Bugeja, Sir Luigi Preziosi and Sir Aloisio Pisani should be completed by the end of August.

“The garden is already getting a new lease of life with this project and we are looking forward to the completion date, when visitors will be able to admire the work of some of Malta’s most accomplished sculptors in pristine condition,” said Jason Zammit, head of public and media relations at FIM Bank, which is sponsoring the project.

The Maglio Gardens, better known to the Maltese as Il-Mall, date to the time of Grand Master Lascaris (1636-1657). It is recorded that he created the gardens as a recreational area for the knights, where they could indulge in pastimes, including a game similar to croquet, called palamaglio, hence the name. The gardens were opened to the public during the British period.

The conservation project is being coordinated by Din l-Art Ħelwa.