Restoration of the Banca Giuratale inaugurated in Independence Square

The Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo and HSBC CEO Andrew C. Beane have officially inaugurated the restoration of the Banca Giuratale, in Independence Square, Victoria.

The Banca Giuratale is a baroque structure designed by Knight Charles Francois de Mondion. It was originally the seat of the Università, the municipal government of Gozo.

After the abolishing of the Università during the British period, the Banca Giuratale housed various entities ranging from Gozo's General Post office to the Civic Council for Gozo. It presently houses the offices of the Gozo Cultural Organising Committee and the Victoria Local Council.Minister Refalo thanked HSBC Malta Foundation for their generous sponsorship. He noted with pleasure that such an important and historical building is now back to its original glory.

Dr Refalo said that strategically situated in the middle of Gozo's main square, the restored building will be admired by all Maltese and foreigners for many generations. "Such embellishment will add value to Gozo."

"The Ministry will continue to support all activities and encourage all locals and visitors to enjoy and participate in. Gozo is an island of all seasons, but best of all, it offers peace of mind and security," he added.

Minister Refalo noted that works on this unique baroque building in Gozo, which used to house Gozo's local government, include the removal of all superfluous cables and fixtures attached to the façade, the removal of cement based rendering, the cleaning of the façade, the replacement of damaged stone blocks and decorative cornice, the maintenance of timber apertures, and waterproofing of the Banca Giuratale's roof.

He explained that all intervention works were carried out under strict supervision and with the most appropriate techniques to ensure the best possible results to give the utmost enhancement of the building's historical and architectural qualities/attributes.

"Financing the restoration of the magnificent Banca Giuratale fits our commitment to invest in the community, especially in ways that bring about lasting benefit to society. This centrepiece of Gozitan heritage, placed strategically in the heart of Gozo, can now be admired in its full glory by visitors for many years to come," said HSBC Bank Malta CEO Andrew Beane.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri