A conservation management plan for the Parish Church of the Assumption in Birkirkara

Abstract

The aim of this work is the development of a Conservation Management Plan for the Parish church dedicated to Assumption (also known as ll-Knisja l-Qadima) in Birkirkara. This site has, amongst others, great historical, architectural and social value and this Conservation Management Plan aim to safeguard this church in view of its value and significance. The church is suffering from structural problems as a result of its tumultuous history, today evidenced by a number of cracks in various areas around the church. The structure and its significance also suffered due to reconstruction works being carried out in past years, which today would be ethically unacceptable. Hence this study focuses on a number of points directed towards providing a holistic view of the asset. Whilst giving a detailed history of the site, it also extrapolates the significance and value both of the structure per se and also of the church's contents such as works of art and furnishings. From this assessment of significance, put into the context of local legislation/polices, international standards and examples of conservation best practice, a series of policies specifically for this church will be drawn up. These policies should help the church administrators in their responsibility of taking care of the church as a place of worship and as a historical asset. An appendix with relevant photographs and site plans is included to aid in a better understanding of the site under study.