EU Heritage Tours returned with renewed enthusiasm on Saturday morning, as visitors gathered to explore the recently-renovated Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta.

The event attracted a large crowd eager to discover the intricacies of the Palace’s restoration. Two simultaneous tours were led by Heritage Malta architects, Perit Katya Maniscalco and Perit Veronica Micallef, who provided detailed insights into the project’s extensive refurbishment. Tours were offered in Maltese and English, highlighting the meticulous restoration works funded by a generous allocation of €18 million from the European Regional Development Fund. The restoration project, which commenced in 2016, was successfully completed in 2023.

Organised by the European Parliament Office (EPLO) in Malta in partnership with Heritage Malta, this event was part of the ongoing EU Heritage Tours series. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about how EU funds contribute to the preservation of national heritage sites alongside other crucial national projects.

The day’s event began in the historic Sala Uccelleria, adjacent to the hall that once served as Malta’s parliamentary seat and now houses the Armoury. Dr Mario Sammut, Head of the EP Office in Malta, emphasised the significance of such visits, especially in the current context as negotiations for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) begin. Ms Elaine Cordina, Public Relations Officer for the EP Office, provided attendees with an overview of the EU’s long-term budget framework, explaining its priorities, funding sources, and the substantial allocation of funds back to Member States to support projects like the Grandmaster’s Palace restoration.

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