Wirt Ghawdex recently awarded the Prix d’Honneur Award by Din l-Art Helwa in the restoration and conservation category for the project carried out at the Santa Cecila Chapel in Ghajnsielem.
Since its profanation in 1644 up to a couple of years or so ago, the structure served as an animal shed and a store. It was then expropriated by Government at the request of the Ministry for Gozo so that urgent restoration works could be taken in hand. The chapel had in the past suffered from neglect and even a serious vandal attack which caused considerable damage to the monument.
The restoration work was started in early 2009 and was funded by the Ministry for Gozo through the eco-Gozo scheme for NGOs.
The Santa Cecilia Chapel was inaugurated in March this year and last month celebrations were held there to commemorate the feast of its Saint, who is the patroness of musicians and Church music.
The chapel can now be enjoyed by the public after almost 400 years, not only by locals but by the Maltese and tourists who visit the island during the year.
Baron Group congratulated Wirt Ghawdex on the award and said, “as the main sponsors of the project we are proud to have helped in this achievement.”
Also, the Restoration Directorate within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs has been awarded the overall silver medal by Din l-Art Helwa in the 2012 edition of the Architectural Heritage Award.
This Award Scheme was set up by the organisation to encourage architectural excellence in a Maltese context, the rehabilitation and reuse of old buildings and the recognition of the dedicated work of those active in the field of restoration.
The Award was achieved by the Directorate through one of its largest projects ever undertaken, which is the ongoing restoration of fortifications in Mdina, Valletta, Cottonera and the Cittadella in Victoria.
The project also includes the setting up of an interactive fortifications centre at Biagio Steps, in a 16th century building which was, until recently, an examinations centre. This project also earned the directorate a Prix d’Honneur in Category A.
The centre is due to open its doors in the coming weeks and the aim is that visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the history and importance of the fortifications. The centre will also have an audio-visual theatre, library and space for workshops.
The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, welcomed the award and expressed its gratitude to all the directorate’s staff for their work in the protection of cultural heritage.