On Tuesday 18 March 2025, the St. Augustine Priory Restoration Project, which has been ongoing for several years, was inaugurated. The works, co-financed by European Funds (SCOPE ERDF. 05.113), include the restoration and conservation of the four external facades of the priory and the Church, the internal facades and several other spaces on the site, archaeological investigation and rehabilitation of part of the courtyard, and remains from the church dedicated to Our Lady of Help. To make this project, spread over three floors accessible to all, iron bridges and a lift have been installed. In addition to the conservation of this site, the Project also aims to promote the appreciation of our country’s Cultural and Ecclesiastical Heritage.
The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta who graced the occasion and unveiled a commemorative plaque. The evening also saw a speech by the M. Rev. Prior Provincial Fr. Leslie Gatt O.S.A. who also blessed the building, and by Architect Joseph Bezzina, President of the Fondazzjoni Socjo-Kulturali Ambjentali Augustina. Also present was the Mayor of Valletta, Mr. Olaf McKay, along with other distinguished guests, professionals, contractors and workers who have worked on the project in onw way or another along the last 6 years.
Thanks to the infrastructural works, part of this building is being transformed into an Interpretation Centre that includes a museum with various interesting spaces and artefacts but also spaces that can be used by the community for both particular initiatives and cultural activities. The building also includes: the excavations of the 16th century Church that were found under the soil of the garden and the restoration of other parts of the Church and Priory of that same era; the Church Crypt that also served as a refuge during the Second World War II, and the shelter that was used during the same War ; the Library, the Oratory and various other spaces with artefacts such as paintings and statues of artistic value of high significance.
The Fondazzjoni Socjo-Kulturali Ambjentali Augustina (FSKAA) coordinated the works on this project in continuous collaboration with the Augustinian Community. This Foundation was established over eleven years ago with the aim of managing restoration works of the architectural and artistic assets, promoting the heritage, and ensuring that the holistic environment of this site is protected. European funds were crucial for the implementation of this project and after years of preparation, structural works began towards the end of 2018. The Project with a total investment of €2.3 million was in fact made possible by the substantial contribution of European funds from the Regional Development Fund which amounted to around €1.9 million, together with the contribution of the Maltese Augustinian Province.
(Photos: Ian Noel Pace)
