The Archdiocese of Malta will undergo the restoration and conservation works of 10 projects, together with the already 17 existing projects announced last year, with the total investment of €4 million, 80% of which are co-financed through European Funds. These projects include the structural restoration of churches as well as the conservation of various works of art, amongst which there are 2 paintings of Francesco Zahra.

This was announced during a press conference in front of Qrendi parish church, which was addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta, Michael Pace Ross.

Mr Pace Ross, on behalf of the Foundation for the Cultural Patrimony of the Archdiocese of Malta, said that the investment in these 10 projects, adding up to €1.5 million, will continue strengthening our cultural heritage. Together with the projects in these parishes, there will be the restoration of the facade of the Archbishop Palace in Valletta, which through the request of the Archbishop Charles Scicluna, on various occasions like Notte Bianca, opens its doors so that the public can appreciate the religious patrimony of our country and the identity nurtured.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the Maltese and Gozitan churches have always been invaluable as they form part of the country’s cultural patrimony. He stated that the restoration works which will be carried out on the facade of Qrendi’s church will not solely improve the face of the church but the locality as well. Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that projects like these will strengthen our touristic product as they expose Malta’s rich historical-cultural heritage. The Parliamentary Secretary said that through European Funds this investment in the tourism sector, most especially now, is considered essential so we don’t just regenerate our economy but also strengthen it.

Il‑parroċċi li qed jibbenefikaw mill‑Fond Ewropew taħt il‑Programm Operazzjonali I (2014‑2020) huma: Ħaż‑Żebbuġ, il‑Belt Valletta (San Pawl), il‑Furjana, il‑Ħamrun (San Gejtanu), il‑Qrendi, l‑Imsida, l‑Isla u Tas‑Sliema (San Girgor).

The parishes which are benefitting from the Operational Programme I 2014-2020 are: Ħaż‑Żebbuġ, Valletta (St Paul’s), Floriana, il‑Ħamrun (San Gejtanu), Qrendi, Msida, Senglea and Tas‑Sliema (St Gregory).