The conservation and restoration project has been completed on two large paintings located in the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Għarb, Gozo. The restoration work, which amounts to €40,000 with 80% co-financing from European Union funds, was inaugurated by the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett.
Also present for the inauguration was the leader of the project, Noel Formosa, the Archpriest Rev. Trevor Sultana and the Administrative Secretary of the Curia in Gozo, Anthony Bezzina. Through this restoration work, to which the parishioners also contributed, the altar painting by the Portuguese artist of the 17th century, Emanuel Pereira, painted in 1688 and which shows the Virgin of Rosary, together with the frame in which the painting is located.
The altar painting, attributed to the school of Mattia Preti (17th century), which shows the Virgin and Child with Souls in Purgatory, was also cleaned. This is because over the years, both paintings were exposed to high levels of elements and came into a state of deterioration. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett said that in addition to the main goal of beautification and conservation to pay tribute to these works of art, with the help of European funds they are also increasing the value of the Maltese tourist product.
“It is a priority for this Government to keep improving the competitiveness of Gozo in the tourism sector through the promotion, protection and preservation of natural, cultural and historical assets, which are intended to further improve the Gozitan cultural tourism experience, while also generating more tourist influx to this island,” concluded Dr. Bonett.
Minister Clint Camilleri said that, “The restoration of the cultural and historical heritage on the island of Gozitan is important both in order to preserve the heritage left to us by our forefathers and also to continue attracting quality tourists who come to our country to enjoy this heritage.” He reiterated that this restoration could be possible thanks to co-financing from European funds. Minister Camilleri concluded by saying that he looks forward to more work so that Gozo continues to offer a rich and unique experience to those who visit it.
This restoration is part of a series of restorations carried out under the ERDF project.05.102 – Strengthening the ecclesiastical and artistic cultural heritage of Gozo for present and future generations. A project that cost €2.24 million, of which €1.7 million was allocated from the European Regional Development Fund, under the Priority Axis 5 program. This program is dedicated to the protection of the environment with an emphasis on the investment in natural and cultural assets.
