E700,000 from the Italian Protocol and Lm50,000 from the VRP have been earmarked for the work to be completed. Dr Bondin said that this is one of two projects being financed by the Italian Protocol in the co-Cathedral, the other being the restoration of a 16th century organ.

Dr Bondin said this is a very complex project that includes the restoration of stone, wood, marble and bronze as well as three paintings. For this purpose, a laboratory was set up so that restoration work can be carried out in a truly professional environment.

Since some of the work being carried out may affect other areas of the cathedral, VRP was assisted by the the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro and an international scientific committee.

The work is being carried out by the firm Dott. Sante Guido with the assistance of Giuseppe Mantella, Giuliana De Rose, Lucia Amadio and Daniela Severino. Studio Diana was is carrying out the environmental monitoring. Dr Keith Sciberras is responsible for the ‘art historical report’. The Cathedral Chapter and the St John’s co-Cathedral Foundation are also collaborating.