RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC FORTIFICATIONS OF MALTA AND GOZO

INTRODUCTION:

• In 2007, the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs  submitted, as one of its proposals for funding by the – European Regional Development Fund, a project entitled "The Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Historical Fortifications of Malta". This ambitious project sought to draw attention and address, for the very first time, in a holistic manner, some of the main issues presented by the acute conservation problems posed by the Island’s unique and prodigious mass of historic fortifications.

• Four major works of fortification were eventually chosen to benefit from this funding, in all comprising a very substantial investment of around 36 million Euros spread over a period of seven years, namely those of Valletta, Birgu, Mdina and the Cittadella in Gozo, in all a combined perimeter length of around 6 kms of bastions and ramparts.