The extensive restoration work on the walls and gate of Santa Liena in Bormla has been completed.
The Department of Restoration and Preservation within the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has finished the restoration work on the fortification walls between the bastions of San Ġwann t’Għuxa and Santa Liena, part of the Santa Margerita fortifications in Bormla.
The restoration, which covered 320 meters of fortification walls, also included the Santa Liena gate. This project, which began in April of last year, was carried out with an investment of €1.2 million.
This was announced by the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, during a site visit.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasized the importance of such restoration work to protect historical fortifications and preserve the national heritage for future generations.
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He stated that this project is part of a series of conservation projects being undertaken by the government to safeguard and restore historical buildings in Malta.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli added, “The restoration and conservation of historical sites continue to add value to Maltese and Gozitan localities. Local Councils play an important role in this area as they are well aware of their locality’s needs.”
The fortification walls were built in the 18th century and include the Santa Liena Gate, also known as Porta dei Mortari. This Baroque-style gate was designed by the French military engineer Charles François de Mondion, the resident engineer of the Order.
The restoration work included cleaning the stone, preserving the original patina wherever possible, removing cement-based mortar, consolidating and filling joints, replacing deteriorated stones, and restoring the banquettes and platforms on the gate.
Parts of the upper fortifications that were damaged during World War II were also rebuilt. Sections of cracked rock along a length of around 100 meters were stabilized using rock-bolting techniques.
The Mayor of Bormla, Marco Agius, and the Bormla Local Council were also present for this visit.
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