Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545062
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2026 Preserving the Cottonera's unique historical and religious heritage MADE up of the "Three Cities" of Birgu, Bormla and Isla to- gether with the neighbouring picturesque village of Kalka- ra, the Cottonera boasts of a unique historical and religious heritage. For centuries, it has been at the heart of Malta's so- cial, political and religious life, nurturing special traditions and values enjoyed by its res- idents to this day. It is a herit- age that certainly deserves the constant care of restoration and preservation projects, in- cluding specialised work on various ecclesiastical places and artefacts. The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, and the Chair- man of the Fondazzjoni Kot- tonera, Mr Joe Mizzi, recently visited various ecclesiastical sites in the Cottonera where restoration projects are in pro- gress. The projects form part of an ongoing programme of conservation within the whole area. One such work involves the restoration of the original titular painting inside the St Theresa church in Bormla. The picture had suffered extensive damage during the Second World War when it had been moved elsewhere for protec- tion. With an investment of €44,674, 75% of which from the Projects and Initiatives Scheme of the Fondazzjoni Kottonera, the project is aimed at preserving and restoring the artistic and historical value of the painting. Work is sched- uled to be completed by De- cember. Other extensive preserva- tion and restoration works are under way within the par- ish church of the Immaculate Conception at Bormla. These include the restoration of the wooden, 18th Century ba- roque cathedra and pulpit, the apertures of the Our Lady of Sorrows oratory, and eight frames from the "Via Matris" series. Valued at €62,540, 75% of which also from Fondazzjoni Kottonera funds, is scheduled to be completed by March 2027. During the visit, Parliamen- tary Secretary for Local Gov- ernment Alison Zerafa Civelli said the ultimate aim of these restoration projects, which re- flect the government's com- mitment to the preservation of the Cottonera historical and religious heritage, is for the residents to continue to en- joy it with pride. She added: "Investment in conservation is an investment in the local community and Malta's cul- tural identity." Fondazzjoni Kottonera chairman Joe Mizzi referred to the foundation's primary goal as the provision of a better quality of life for all people living in the Cottonera area. He said, "we are working on a significant regeneration programme that demands improved infrastructure while still assuring the protection and preservation of our histori- cal heritage." The Cottonera is replete with treasures of historical and re- ligious value, attracting the attention of artists, students, researchers and other local and foreign visitors. Continued restoration and preservation projects on the Cottonera his- torical, cultural and religious heritage will go a long way towards ensuring it is passed on to future generations in an effective and sustainable way. THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION