The preservation of Vilhena Palace, the Gran Castello and Fort St. Angelo

Abstract

In May and June of 1965, Dr. H.J. Plenderleith, Director of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome, and Dr. Norman Davey, Civil Engineer, formerly of the Building Research Station in Garston, near Watford, England, made a study in co-operation with the authorities of Malta to establish a programme for the conservation of monuments and sites of historic interest on the islands of Malta and Gozo. In their report they mentioned several measures to be taken. Malta can certainly be proud of her heritage of innumerable important historical and prehistorical sites. The work necessary to preserve all these monuments for future generations, however, is immense. During his short visit, the writer was deeply impressed by the enormous efforts that capable staff members are making. On many important mites, preservation or restoration work is in full execution. The skill and craftsmanship of the stone-workers was especially impressive. Special advice was desired for two sites, the Vilhena Palace at Mdina and the Gran Castello on Gozo. Under sponsorship of Unesco, Mr. C.C.Th.de Beaufort, Civil Engineer of Nedeco (Netherlands Engineering Consultants) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, was asked to visit Malta to study the situation at first hand with the purpose of preparing this advice.