The restoration and rehabilitation works on the Ravelin structure, which is situated at the main entrance of the Citadel, are now complete.
This small triangular Ravelin, open at the gorge, once protected the main approach road into the Citadel and had eight embrasures, four on each face. The structure was built on the remains of medieval ruins, which was revealed in the course of archaeological excavations.
Over time the strategic building of the Citadel Ravelin has been modified many times and was barely distinguishable from the original one built by the Knights of St. John.
During the inauguration, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri explained that the work, which was carried out through an investment of around € 75,000, was done in two phases, with the aim of preserving this strategic building built by the Knights of St. John.
He said that it is now restored to its former glory and will once again be enjoyed by hundreds of Gozitans, Maltese, and tourists who visit this historic and prominent site in the Gozitan capital.
Among the works carried out in the first phase, which got underway last November, was the removal of grass at the top of the structure as its irrigation system was causing serious damage – with the infiltration of water in parts of the Ravelin damaging both the walls of the Ravelin and the archaeological remains, including part of a Roman wall.
In addition, waterproofing matting was placed on a concrete bed, culverts were made and the entire Ravelin was paved with hard stone.
The second phase included the restoration and maintenance of the surrounding walls, new benches, new lighting, and stainless steel railings to complement those of the the facade.
The Minister, while reiterating the commitment of the Ministry for Gozo to continue carrying out similar projects in favour of the island, explained how due to the sensitivity of the site, all the work was done in continuous consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
The Director of Cultural Heritage John Xuereb, said that this restoration of the Ravelin is a small part of a full maintenance and restoration programme that the Directorate for Cultural Heritage within the Ministry for Gozo intends to carry out in the Citadel in the coming months
1 Comment To "Ravelin restoration project now completed at a cost of around €75,000"
#1 Comment By Lino DeBono On August 24, 2021 @ 5:07 pm
A very good job done. This site goes down to the laying fields at Foreman Street. I believe it is time for other major restorations such as Chambray Outer Walls & the Polverista, the Trunciera in Qala/Zewwieqa – the Water Aquadots in Victoria – Ghar Gerduf and also the Prehistoric Temple in Kercem/San Lawrenz area.
A big well done to all concerned. This is the way forward for Gozo to be more attractive and expose it’s historical past glory.