The restoration of Santa Lucija chapel in Mtarfa is under way and expected to be completed by the end of the month, said Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit.

Inspecting the restoration work, Mr Zammit explained that this involved the restoration of both the interior and exterior of the church. The parvis will also be repaved.

The chapel was first mentioned in an official document in 1460. In the 1950s, structural work was carried out on the building and a new, smaller sacristy was built, with the older sacristy being incorporated into the church.

These structural changes have been removed and the original shape of the chapel has been restored. A problem with humidity has also been tackled, the original paintings inside the church have been uncovered and a new electricity system has been installed.

The work is being carried out by the Restoration Unit within the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry.

Mtarfa’s parish priest had called for the chapel’s restoration and the work is being

carried out in collaboration with the local council.

The Knisja l-Qadima in Siggiewi is next in line for restoration, said the minister.