The Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli together with the Mayor of Munxar Damien Spiteri, inaugurated the restoration and conservation project on the Xlendi Tower with a value of €355,000 co-financed with European funds.
Minister Camilleri stated that “through this project another important historical building has been preserved in Gozo and we have continued to add to the touristic product that the Gozitan island offers with the aim of continuing to attract many quality tourists and to continue we also strengthen the Gozitian economy. The restoration of such sites will remain a priority for this Government which recognizes that the historical heritage of our country must be kept in the best possible state.”
Minister Camilleri concluded by saying that the government will continue to invest in Gozo’s potential, through continuous work that will lead to more beautification projects and new investments. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett emphasized the importance of preserving our country’s cultural heritage after the works on the Xlendi Tower were completed. This restoration will also serve to benefit tourism in Gozo as it is expected that this tower will start attracting around 10,000 visitors a year. “With the help of European funds, together with the work of the Munxar local council, we managed to turn an inaccessible site into a historical attraction, while conserving our national heritage. This will be beneficial not only for tourists but also for the community,” repeated Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli said that the Government committed to continue funding the local councils for restoration on historical places so that the cultural heritage of our country continues to be appreciated by future generations. “Through this restoration on this tower we are not only creating a new value in this locality, but this Tower will serve as an attraction for the Awdians, Maltese and as well as tourists visiting the Xlendi ,” said Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
The Xlendi Tower is the oldest tower in Gozo, which was built in 1650 during the time of Grand Master Lascaris. During the restoration some frescoes were found which were covered including drawings of a crucifix, a church and candlesticks which have now also been preserved by professional restorers. These continue to complement the history of this tower which now, which is back in its glory, is estimated to have around 10,000 visitors a year..
