The 16th century organ of the Oratory in St John's co-Cathedral will return to the cathedral at the end of the month, following its restoration in Italy.

The restoration project was funded by the Italian Financial Protocol and the Valletta Rehabilitation Project.

The organ, which is the oldest Sicilian organ in existence, was extensively damaged and had not been played for many years. It has been restored at Fratelli Ruffatti in Padova, Italy.

The project was planned and executed by the Valletta Rehabilitation Project within the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry, with the collaboration of the Metropolitan Chapter and the St John’s co-Cathedral Foundation.

Fratelli Ruffatti reconstructed the wooden case (which has been restored in situ) to be able to test the organ. The original metal pipes have been restored and those missing have been replaced with new ones.