The Sarria church in Floriana is one of the many chapels that are being restored by the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry. This church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and is considered as one of the most important monuments the country has.

Speaking during a visit he made on site yesterday, Minister Ninu Zammit said that before this church was built there existed another one that had been financed by Fra Martino Sarria de Navasso in 1571. At that time Valletta had started to be built while the Floriana fortifications had not been planned. The present structure, designed by Mattia Preti, started to be built in 1676.

Mr Zammit explained that the church was an artistic example of the country’s heritage. However the church cannot today be admired in its original beauty. At the start of the 19th century, the church lantern was dismantled and the church lost much of its splendor.

The church suffered a lot of damage over the years. There are structural problems while some of the stones are crumbling. The quality of the stone used for the building of the church led to serious deterioration in some parts of it. The fumes emitted by the many cars that pass from the area have also left their mark.

Several methodologies are being used to restore the church. Some stones are being replaced, others are being consolidated, the minister said.

He also spoke about the work that was done on the Cwerra chapel in Siggiewi, adding that the restoration of the aqueduct was nearing completion and that the work on the St James chapel in Luqa had started.

Over the next few weeks the restoration of Hastings Gardens will be starting while, towards the end of the year, the Mary Magdalene chapel in Dingli Cliffs will be restored. All the work will be carried out by the ministry’s restoration department.