The 18th century carved wooden choir stalls at Our Lady of Victory Church are to be restored due to a donation from Simonds Farsons Cisk and Farrugia Investments to Din l-Art Helwa.
This was announced by Simonds Farsons Cisk chairman Louis Farrugia, who with group officials of Farrugia Investments visited the church to see the restoration programme which is now at an advanced stage.
They were welcomed by Maria Grazia Cassar, executive president of Din l-Art Helwa and other council members of the heritage organisation.
Simone Mizzi, overseeing the restoration project of the church, explained that the choir stalls were in a neglected state and had suffered damage from insect infestations and damp due to their close proximity to the bastion walls of the neighbouring St James Cavalier.
One of the peculiarities of Victory Church is the fact that its apse was enlarged in the 18th century to allow space for choir stalls to be established behind the main altar. This required the building to penetrate inward through the bastion walls of St James Cavalier and thus also allow for a part cupola to be built.
Din l-Art Helwa said the restoration of the choir stalls will also provide a unique moment for studies to be made of the way this extension was built and of the state of the wall abutting into the Cavalier.
The Farsons Group, through its Foundation, has also supported the restoration of the church and helped to establish its treasures of the Sacristy Museum.