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Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici has announced restoration work on the façade and parvis wall of the Church of Santa Marija ta' Bubaqra, Żurrieq. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Chapel is believed to have been originally built before 1450 and formed part of a number of small rural churches that served the area during the fifteenth century.
Minister Owen Bonnici said, "This intervention forms part of the Department of Restoration and Preservation's ongoing commitment to the protection, conservation and enhancement of Malta's ecclesiastical and cultural heritage. Through these works, we are not only protecting a heritage of historical and religious value, but we are also investing in the Żurrieq community by continuing to strengthen the locality's cultural and historical identity."
"This project will continue to give a more dignified appearance to the area, increase appreciation for our heritage and serve as a space that can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Żurrieq," concluded Minister Bonnici.
The current project to be carried out by the Department of Restoration and Preservation focuses on the portico and main facade, including the door on the first floor and the frontispiece, areas that have suffered deterioration due to humidity, biological growth and material degradation.
Building condition studies, carried out prior to the commencement of works, identified peeling paint and peeling cladding on the lower levels, damage and loss of detail in the stonework, biological colonisation of exposed elements, as well as significant deterioration of the reinforced concrete beams and ceilings that form the structure of the portico. The damage to the reinforced concrete was identified as a safety risk, and structural intervention was therefore required.
The works include manual cleaning of stone surfaces, removal and treatment of biological growth, opening and refilling of the seams using hydraulic lime-based mortar, as well as sensitive repairs aimed at reintegrating damaged areas where stone replacement is not necessary.
All works are being carried out under professional supervision and in close collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, while comprehensive documentation is being prepared to ensure that there is a permanent record of the interventions.
