The restoration work being done on St Philip’s Church in Senglea is envisaged to be completed by June, and the works are estimated to cost around €115,000.

As it was explained during the press conference, the restoration work will include three main aspects of the church.

The first aspect is that restoration of the dome, its drum, and replacement of the deteriorated apertures and waterproofing. Next, the external and internal restoration of the lantern on top of the dome and its apertures. Thirdly, the external restoration and structural strengthening of the belfry of the church.

Currently ongoing is the stone cleaning process and the pointing of plastering areas to be retained – this will lead to structural repairs, including the removal of a rusting steel belt around the belfry, the replacement of heavy deteriorated stones in the lantern, and the repair of the spalling concrete ring beam around the dome.

Designs for stronger and weather resistant windows are currently being finalised.

The dismantling and numbering of unstable stone is also included in the works, along with their rebuilding in their original location restoring the original aesthetic qualities of the belfry, lime and epoxy injection with large flakes and cracks, pointing and removal of black crust.

Speaking in Francesco Zahra Square where the church is located, Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici explained that through this restoration, headed by the Restoration Directorate, we’re strengthening our local heritage for the benefit of our community.

“This church is a symbol of our national identity, and as a Government we are committed to keep on improving accessibility within the sector, as part of our culture strategy.”