The Good Causes Fund gave €20,000 to the Porto Salvo and St Dominic’s Foundation for the restoration of the structure and paintings of St Dominic’s Basilica in Valletta, but this is just a fraction of the costs involved in restoring the unique architectural jewel.

It is estimated that the full cost of the restoration process will cost the foundation some €350,000 and the foundation will be seeking alternative ways to raise money. The first phase of the project is under way while the second phase will start once enough funds are collected.

The foundation was initially established with the mission of protecting the Giuseppe Calí paintings inside St Dominic’s Basilica but eventually the need to work on restoring the structure of the impressive church was felt. The restoration cannot start before cracks in the ceiling are repaired, to stop water from seeping in.

The basilica is an architectural and artistic jewel, which showcases some of the best works by architect Cachia and painter Giuseppe Calí who painted the church’s entire ceiling, the different chapels and the naves.

The foundation is hoping to raise money through sponsorships and donations by those who live in the St Dominic parish and those who no longer live in Valletta but still visit the church on a frequent basis. They are also seeking the technical help of the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee to explore the possibility of tapping EU funds.

Architect and restoration consultant Claude Busuttil explained that the lengthy restoration process would take around six months to finish and the work has to be carried out in the summer months.

The first phase of the restoration involves the cleaning and restoration of the roof of the flagstones parapet wall and buttresses of the dome. Then the roof in the ‘deffun’ (an old form of cement) area and the parapet wall need to be cleaned and restored and finally the last phase involves the cleaning and restoration of the dome.

Restoration general director Fr Charles Vella and restorer Pierre Bugeja will be monitoring the works.