The monument commemorating the Great Siege of 1565, an Antonio Sciortino masterpiece, is set to become the focus of a conservation initiative which aims to preserve this major Valletta landmark for future generations. The project is sponsored by Malta-based trade finance institution FimBank plc and coordinated by heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The project is planned to commence in early August and the intention is to have it concluded in time for the annual wreath-laying ceremony held on September 8, Victory Day.

The work on the monument will primarily address the effects of unfavourable atmospheric conditions, in particular the natural weathering process caused mainly by salt deposition, acidic bird droppings as well as past interventions.

FimBank president Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger said: “These islands are a treasure trove of history, and as a Malta-based institution we feel we owe it to the people of Malta to help safeguard jewels such as the Great Siege Monument. Not only is this monument linked to an important event in the islands’ history, but it is also a masterpiece by one of Malta’s greatest artists.”

The project is being dedicated to the memory of the former curator of the National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art, Dennis Vella, who died last year.