Six restoration projects on Gozo churches have been inaugurated, all of which were financed through European funds.

During the inauguration in Ghasri, Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, said that through restoration projects and regeneration of national heritage, Gozo continued to benefit from more European funds.

Dr Caruana expressed her satisfaction that through these interventions, some of which were much needed, Gozitan cultural heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations, as well as being enjoyed by the thousands of visitors who choose to visit Gozo.

Dr. Aaron Farrugia, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue, said that the completed works are part of a broader project with a total value of € 2 million from the European Regional Development Fund, which is being led by San Lawrenz Mayor Noel Formosa.

Bishop Mario Grech remarked that these projects further strengthen the religious aspect in Gozo and religious tourism. He augured that the collaboration and synergy existing between the State and the Gozo Diocese continues in the future.

The Gozo Diocese had said that, “conscious that cultural tourism is a national priority in the field of tourism, the Diocese of Gozo, through the Kura Association, is carrying out a plan to improve its cultural portfolio, thereby contributing towards strengthening the Gozitan cultural product.”

This project is co-financed by the European Union – ERDF PA.05.102 – entitled Enhancing Gozo’s Ecclesiastical Cultural and Artistic Patrimony for Present and Future Generation.

The six projects that have been restored are:

• the facade and towers of the church of Christ the Savior in Ghasri

• One of the two towers of the Parish Sanctuary of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph in Qala

• Church parvis of Saint Lucija Church

• The bell tower of the Parish Church of St. Margaret, Sannat

• the facade and interior of St. Paul’s Church in Marsalforn

• a painting in the apse of the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady in Xaghra.

Photograph: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri

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