Cleaning and consolidation works are being carried out in Fort Delimara to improve the fort’s appearance as well as provide better the accessibility in its main areas.

In the past year, extensive works have been carried out inside the fort, some of which included the cleaning of underground areas as well as the main square of the fort.

Alien structures were also removed from when the fort was used as a farm some years ago, some of which were considered dangerous. A new light and water system was installed, whilst the security system is also being strengthened.

Heritage Malta as well as other associations and organizations carried out this work.

Minister for Cultural Heritage Owen Bonnici praised the effort being put in by Heritage Malta, who is ensuring that restoration works on the fort reflects the dignity it deserves.

Bonnici said that government is committed to continue carrying out initiatives that protect the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of fortifications and historical places on a regular basis.

CEO of Heritage Malta Noel Zammit said that the work that has been done thus far will lead to the best maintenance of the fort.

He added that while there is still a lot of work to be done, the public has still shown interest in sites with military history, as evidenced by the encouraging turnout whenever the fort is opened for a day of guided visits.

The Delimara Fort was built between 1876 and 1878 to guard the coast of the port side of Marsaxlokk and is an example a classic of Victorian coastal fortification. One can still see four cannons of 38 tons from the six that were there when the fort was used for military purposes.

The fort remained operational until 1956 until it was used as a farm for more than 25 years. Fort Delimara is now under the protection of Heritage Malta, and has been since 2005.