The Chapel of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, in St Peter Street, Gharb, known locally as Taz-Zejt, has undergone extensive renovation work, at a cost of almost €640,000, organised by the Gharb Local Council as part of Gharb’s Cultural and Touristic Conservation Project. 90% was co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and 10% came from National funds.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono inaugurated the completed restoration work at a ceremony held on Sunday morning following a Mass in the Chapel.The work of restoring the Taz-Zejt Chapel consisted of removing the old plaster and rendering, changing stones that were eroded and cleaning the remaining ones. Stone decorations replaced were replaced on the Belfry as most were completely worn. The magnificent statue of St Paul which stands on the upper part of the Belfry has also been restored to its former glory. New entrance, path and walls were completed outstide. The restoration work was carried out by Baron Contracts.

The Minister praised the initiatives taken by Gharb Local Council, as well as its proactive and wise use of schemes and other calls, including those of European funds, which are all helping to meet targets to improve the quality of living in rural areas.

The Gozo Minister continued by saying that “this project in Gharb was completed in conjunction with other projects that were financed by Ministry for Gozo schemes, such as the Ecclestia Mater – Parish Museum at Gharb. The parish museum was set-up at the Gharb Collegiate and Basilica complex and houses a permanent exhibition of Sacred Art.”

Other interventions carried out in Gharb include the restoration of Pjazza Zjara tal-Madonna in the village centre. The work included the restoration of the cross in the Square, paving and the installation of a solar clock and fountain. The restoration the San Dimitri Chapel, Sdieri Street Bridge and construction of rubble walls, with work on the restoration of a World War II shelter expected to get underway shortly.

The Minister explained that “the protection of historic heritage was a key element that was given consideration during this legislature and to which millions of euros were allocated for Gozo works of restoration, both from EU funds and national funds.

“The works include among others the intensive restoration and consolidation of the Citadel walls and the restoration of other sites such as the Santa Cecilia Chapel, sites at the Citadel, several towers, the Governor’s House as well as statues and niches in various localities around Gozo.” The Minister for Gozo concluded.

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