The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia together with the Mayor and the councilors of the locality of Floriana inaugurated the restoration project of the Vilhena Fountain in Triq Sant’Anna l’Floriana.
This project carried out by the Department for Public Works was done with an investment of around two hundred thousand euros.
Over the years this fountain developed considerable damage both on the statue and the architecture and also on the fountain itself so much so that it was neither working nor holding water in it. Therefore, this restoration project was instrumental in bringing this historical heritage, which is enjoyed by so many people every day, back to life.
“This fountain is part of our national heritage and therefore we could not allow this precious heritage to continue to be lost. A monument that is not only a symbol of the Florians, but it is a symbol of our history and culture as a country. Thanks to the very good work done by the Public Works workers we are giving back to the people this wonderful monument so that it can continue to be enjoyed in the best possible way. As a department we will continue to work on more projects like this to continue to protect the priceless heritage left to us by our forefathers,” said Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia.
Architect Marvienne Camilleri, coordinator of the project explained how the restoration works on the Vilhena Fountain included delicate work on the pedestal and the ornaments, the lion statue and the fountain basin. itself. In addition, the fountain will be operated with a completely new water and lighting system that suits this monument that goes back almost 300 years. An investment was also made in a new system of CCTV cameras that will monitor the fountain area 24 hours a day.
The works on this monument, which the Planning Authority has scheduled as a Grade No. 1 monument which is the highest level of protection, is carried out under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage Superintendence.
