The church of Our Lady of Pilar in Valletta has been passed to Heritage Malta, the government said yesterday. The aim is to help in the restoration of historic places which would be opened to the public.

The church was in the hands of the Franciscan Sisters who ended the lease in their name. Justice and Interior Minister Tonio Borg said in a short ceremony at the church that Heritage Malta was entrusted with the management of national museums, and sites of historical heritage with their collections.

As a result of the decision, he added, the church, which was built in 1670, would be better looked after and be more accessible to the public.

The government carried out extensive structural restoration at the church between 1989 and 1991 so it was fitting that this historic jewel in West Street would be enjoyed by the public.

The decision conformed with the government’s policy of passing to others who could better use them properties which the government had no use for. As an example, Dr Borg said, he could mention the devolution of the administration of 31 public properties to 21 local councils. Sports and cultural organisations had also benefited from the devolution of public property.