Ħal Millieri explored

Abstract

The year 1977 has marked another important addition to the archaeological heritage of our Islands. A new archaeological discovery has been made which will remain a significant landmark in the history of the study of Maltese antiquities not, however, for the grandeur or monumentality of its finds, but as the first systemic exploration of a purely medieval site.Towards the materialization of this project 'Din I.-Art Helwa" has contributed its share. The Annunciation Chapel at Hal Millieri has since 1968 absorbed great part of the attention and energies of the "National Trust" which has succeeded in restoring to this unique jewel of Maltese architecture and art much of its original brilliance. The abandoned site, consisting of the chapel Itself and the surrounding cemetery enclosed by a high boundary wall, was tidied up and cleaned of its overgrown vegetation. Necessary work was carried out to prevent deterioration and the church was opened to the public. The conservation programme reached its culmination with the restoration of the wall paintings by an Italian expert in 1978 The whole effort was crowned by the publications of "Hal Millieri: A Maltese Casale, its Churches and Paintings" a collection of scientific articles on the history and topography of the 'lost' village and the architecture and paintings of the Annunciation church, edited by A. Luttrell.