Want to learn about the restoration of the venerated statue of Christ the Redeemer (Ir-Redentur)? Then head to Senglea for an open weekend between today and Sunday.

The statue is believed to date back to 1714 and it was last restored more than 180 years ago.

The statue is being restored by Atelier del Restauro Ltd and is expected to cost €40,000.

The nine-month project was announced in February and the work started in May.

The works follow a long process of research into the fabric of the statue carried out by conservationists Atelier de Restauro in September 2014.

The team used X-ray equipment at the Customs Department and the Heritage Malta diagnostic laboratory to carry out in-depth analysis of the statue’s internal structure, as well as examining its outer layers, which have been the subject of several interventions over the years.

Conservationist Valentina Lupo had said that while the internal structure appeared to be in good shape, the outer layers were suffering from a number of cracks, colour loss, and detachments of the original material.

Visitors at the open weekend will be allowed inside in small groups. Pre-booking required at www.sengleaparish.org/pre-booking/.