Restoration of Comino Santa Marija Battery complete

The restoration of the Santa Marija Battery on the island of Comino is complete, the Tourism Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The extensive work cost around €183,000, €150,000 of which was from European funds.

The Santa Marija Battery was built in 1715 by the Knights of St. John and is classified as a Grade 1 site, meaning it has the highest status of protection.

Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that the restoration will complement that of Wignacourt Tower, which was built on the island by the Knights in 1618.

She said that throughout 2019, 32% of the tourists who came to Malta decided to visit Comino – a figure calculated to be over 876,000 people.  She also noted that thousands of Maltese also visit the island, and that hence the aforementioned fortifications deserve more promotion.

Farrugia Portelli praised Din l-Art Helwa amongst others, who take care of these sites, and described their commitment and contribution as invaluable.

Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi meanwhile said that the use of EU funds in projects such as these was making collaborations between the government and NGOs more possible.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, and whose remit Comino falls, further praised the project, describing it as another attraction for the island.

The President of the NGO Din l-Art Helwa Alex Torpiano meanwhile expressed satisfaction at the collaboration between the Malta Tourism Authority and the NGO, noting that through this collaboration, the restoration was completed successfully.

Source: Independent Malta Restoration of Comino Santa Marija Battery complete
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