The Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri visited the restoration and conservation works that are being carried out on the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady Mary, known as Savina, which is one of the historic and prominent buildings in -Victoria City.
The work is being carried out by a group of workers from the Department of Restoration within the Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. These works involve conservation and restoration on the interior of the church, led by the Architect Ivana Farrugia after intensive research and site inspections. This process led to the creation of a detailed document on the necessary interventions that are being carried out according to guidelines on the conservation and restoration processes.
During his visit, Minister Clint Camilleri said, “This work is part of a continuous work to ensure that the cultural heritage of Gozo is protected for future generations. The Church of Savina is not only a religious symbol, but also an integral part of the history and identity of the City of Victoria. Therefore, every intervention is being done with great care to preserve the beauty and the original value of the building.”
This work is intended to conserve the design scheme of Mons. Giuseppe Farrugia (1852-1925) which starts from the main aisle and ends in the part of the presbytery and the dome. All the wires of the church are being disconnected and reconnected according to the guidance of the concerned authorities. Other work related to this project includes restoration on the openings, restoration of the decorative glass and restoration of the marble floor. A new lighting system will also be installed, suitable for liturgical functions and for adoration. The church will be given a more complete appearance with an intervention on the plinth, which complements the aesthetics of the building.
For his part, the Rector of the Church Mons. Joseph Vella Gauci thanked the Ministry for Gozo and Planning for its support in its restoration process and for the impeccable work that was done and is being done.
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that this project will not only conserve this architectural gem but will give a new look to this iconic church. The work is being carried out in full collaboration with the competent authorities, and the workers are working in a safe environment that respects the highest conservation standards
Photo (MGP)
