Heritage organisation Din l-Art Ħelwa is again calling on the public to help save Valletta’s first building, the church of Our Lady of Victory.

The building and paintings inside suffered through water infiltration and grime

The church, known as Tal-Vitorja, is situated opposite Auberge de Castille. It was built on Jean de Vallette’s instructions, who, in thanksgiving for his victory over the Ottoman invaders in 1565, wanted the city’s first building to be a church.

Three years later, in 1568, it became the Grand Master’s first resting place until 1579, when his remains were moved to the new cathedral of St John. Four centuries later, however, the church lies in dire need of restoration.

The building and the paintings inside suffered damage through water infiltration, grime and inappropriate restoration. Its vault was badly shaken by a World War II bomb that destroyed the adjacent opera house.

At the beginning of the 21st century, DLĦ and the Valletta Rehabilitation Project had joined forces to restore the structure’s external walls. But, the heritage organisation notes, more has to be done.

Money to cover a third of the restoration works, estimated to cost about €2 million, has already been collected but DLĦ is urging the public and private sectors to help with the rest of the restoration work on the sacristy and choir area, the church organ and the vault paintings among others.

Donations can be made in HSBC account 008-082166-001 or by sending a cheque to The Treasurer, Din l-Art Ħelwa, 133, Melita Street, Valletta. The donation box at the church can also be used.