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9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 SEPTEMBER 2024 CULTURE A press conferetnce held at Fort St. Angelo in Birgu on Monday celebrated the successful completion of a major conservation and restoration project at the historic Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in partnership with the Vitto- riosa Historical and Cultural Society (VHCS), proudly unveiled the restored chapel, which stands as a revitalised cultural and spiritual landmark of Mal- ta. The project, which has now been completed, focused on the conserva- tion and restoration of the chapel's gilded altar and six supporting pil- lars. Additionally, new artwork has been commissioned to enhance the chapel's interior. This includes a new titular painting of the Nativity of Mary, along with depictions of Saint Paul, Saint John the Baptist, and a group painting featuring St Lawrence the Martyr, St Barbara and St Apollonia. Renowned local artist Manuel Farru- gia was selected to create these pieces, adding to the chapel's rich Baroque heritage. The Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity, carved directly into the rock in 1274, originally served as the first parish church of Birgu. In the 17th century, it was adorned with Baroque elements under the direction of Grand Master De Redin. The VHCS has been instrumental in preserving the chapel, undertaking various structural restorations over the years. Recent findings revealed that the al- tar and pilasters were initially gilded and that the chapel's colour scheme had altered significantly over time. These discoveries prompted VHCS to seek assistance in restoring the chapel to its former glory. Tourism minister Clayton Bartolo expressed his support for the project. "This restoration initiative at the Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity is a testament to our commitment to pre- serving Malta's historical and cultural heritage," he said. "By revitalising this sacred site, we not only honour our past, but also enhance the experience for future generations. The Malta Tourism Au- thority's support for this project high- lights our dedication to promoting and safeguarding our nation's rich cultural identity." Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Mal- ta Tourism Authority, said that the restoration of the chapel was not just about preserving a piece of history but also about breathing new life into the country's cultural heritage. "This project aligns with our mission to enhance Malta's appeal as a destina- tion that celebrates its rich traditions and history," he said. "We are proud to support this ini- tiative, which will enrich the cultural landscape of our country and offer vis- itors a deeper connection to our his- torical roots." The MTA has allocated €35,128 to- wards the project, underscoring its commitment to the conservation of Malta's religious and cultural sites. This project is part of a broader initi- ative supported by the MTA, which al- so includes enhancing the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route. The restored chapel will serve as a significant stop for pilgrims, enriching their spiritual journey and highlighting the chapel's historical significance. The collaborative effort between the MTA and VHCS ensures that the Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity at Fort St. Angelo will continue to be a sym- bol of Malta's enduring cultural and spiritual heritage. Conservation and restoration works on Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity in Fort St Angelo completed Tourism minister Clayton Bartolo (above) said the restoration initiative at the Chapel of Our Lady's Nativity is a testament to the government's commitment to preserving Malta's historical and cultural heritage