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Restoration Work Begins on St Paul’s Bastion in Cottonera
August 15 2024 15:19 by PCLMedia
The Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government announced on Wednesday that the first phase of restoration work has commenced on the historic Bastion of St Paul, an integral part of the Cottonera fortifications.
Overlooking the Wied Blandun field, the bastion is a crucial component of Malta's extensive fortification system. It also passes beneath the tunnel connecting Bormla to Għajn Dwieli, a key route in the region. This first phase of restoration focuses on two of the bastion’s four facades: the parapet and the superior slope, as well as the preservation of the historic cannon platforms.
The restoration is being carried out by the Restoration and Preservation Department within the Ministry, with work having begun in July 2023. The project is slated for completion by the summer of 2025 and represents an investment of €700,000. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding Malta's architectural and cultural heritage.
National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici expressed his satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the significance of maintaining such historical sites. He highlighted that the restoration efforts aim not only to return the forts to their former glory but also to preserve the historical memory of the Maltese islands. "These forts are an essential part of our cultural heritage, and their preservation is vital for future generations," Bonnici stated.
Local Government Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli echoed the Minister's sentiments, praising the Restoration and Preservation Department's work. She underlined the site's importance as part of Malta's patrimonial heritage and the need for continued efforts to conserve such landmarks.
The Cottonera forts hold a storied past, particularly during the blockade of the French from 1798 to 1800, when Maltese forces besieged the French troops entrenched within Cottonera, Valletta, and Floriana. The forts still bear the marks of this historic siege, with many cannonball impacts visible on the walls. These battle scars are being meticulously preserved as part of the restoration process, serving as tangible reminders of the island’s turbulent history.
In addition to cleaning and restoring the site, the project involves the careful replacement of stones that have deteriorated over time and pose structural risks. A significant aspect of the work includes addressing the damages sustained by the cannon platform during World War II. This platform will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt using the original paving materials to maintain its historical integrity.
The restoration of St Paul’s Bastion is not just a matter of preserving the past but also a vital step towards ensuring that Malta's rich history continues to be accessible and appreciated by future generations. This project is part of a broader effort to conserve the Cottonera fortifications, which stand as enduring symbols of Malta's resilience and strategic importance through the centuries.
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