Speaking at the opening of the Interpretation Scheme, Din l-Art Helwa executive president Martin Scicluna said: “Interpretation Schemes for our historic properties, such as this one made possible by the generosity of our sponsor Gasan Mamo Insurance Agency, permit visitors to gain further understanding and appreciation of our valuable historic and cultural assets.

“The scheme is user-friendly and has been written and laid out in a colourful series of panels that can be interpreted by all visitors, students, foreigners and even children.”

He said Din L-Art Helwa relied entirely on the generosity of sponsors like Gasan Mamo Insurance Agency to continue not just with the restoration of historic sites such as Torri Mamo, but also with making them accessible and comprehensible to visitors.

“We are grateful to Albert Mamo, managing director of Gasan Mamo Insurance Agency, and the whole company for making such a scheme possible,” he said.

Torri Mamo is a unique example in Malta of a 17th century fortified family home. It was built by the Mamo family in 1657 to protect family members and neighbours from the incursions of enemy Turks. It is unique because it has 16 facades and is built in the form of a St Andrew’s Cross.

It has a wonderful totally circular internal stone hall, and is surrounded by a moat. From its rooftop there are lovely views down to St Thomas’s Bay.

It is open every morning daily including Sundays and can be found on the road to St Thomas’s Bay from Zejtun.

Its volunteer warden is Alfred Depasquale, who loyally tends to the site daily.

Anybody wishing to support Din l-Art Helwa in its work to safeguard Malta’s cultural heritage either by becoming members or by enlisting as a volunteer is asked to phone 2122-0358 or visit 133 Melita Street, Valletta.