Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit has inaugurated restoration works at the old church of St Catherine in Zejtun, better known as San Girgor church.

The restoration cost Lm63,000 and was undertaken following a request by the archpriest, Fr Eric Overend.

The stonework was in relatively good shape, the minister said, but defects were identified and rectified, to prevent further damage. Crumbling stonework was replaced, the façades were cleaned up and plasterwork done to avoid water seepage.

A substantial number of graffiti were discovered on the façades, mostly showing sailing ships, which were all documented and conserved. New paving was also installed along the parvis around the church.

The first mention of the church is recorded in 1436. Various modifications were made over the centuries. The church has a strategic position overlooking St Thomas and Marsaxlokk bays and at times was also used for defence purposes. The traditional procession linked to San Girgor is held there, which probably gave the church its better-known name.