[WATCH] Lija chapel restoration underway

 The Our Lady of Miracles chapel in Lija in undergoing much needed restoration works to its exterior

Interior of Our Lady of Miracles Chapel bearing the renowned Mattia Preti altar piece
Interior of Our Lady of Miracles Chapel bearing the renowned Mattia Preti altar piece
Our Lady of Miracles Chapel in Lija • Photos by Ray Attard
Our Lady of Miracles Chapel in Lija • Photos by Ray Attard
Much needed restoration works on Our Lady of Miracles chapel in Lija well underway • Video by Ray Attard

Culture minister Owen Bonnici visited restoration works being carried out at the Our Lady of Miracles chapel in Lija this morning, where efforts are being made to protect and preserve various structural features of the building.

Restoration architect Jean Frendo explained that the chapel was built in 1660 and despite its simple structure, its popularity stemmed from its altarpiece, painted by Mattia Preti.

"The painting, which shows the Virgin and Child, had reportedly shed a tear in 1743 on the eve of a particularly strong earthquake, which miraculously left no injuries or fatalities," Frendo explained.

Frendo said that restoration works had begun in February and inclement weather had caused delays in the works.

"Most of the damage was due to natural causes," she said, explaining that the chapel was exposed to the elements and that much of the work had entailed the removal of a dark biological patina.

She added that the restoration was limited to the outside of the chapel and that the area that needed most work was the southern facade.

"There was also extensive damage caused by rusty iron handles and nails, which will all be replaced with stainless steel," she added.

Frendo said that the project had initially started with the preparation of a plan of the building, which showed the damage the building had suffered.

Bonnici explained that the project showed that the safeguarding and preservation of Malta's cultural heritage should go well beyond Valletta and into the smaller villages and towns across the island.

He added that the directorate for restoration in charge of this project was also responsible for various other projects, including the restoration of the facade of St John's co-cathedral, as well as Dar 8 ta' Settembru in Birgu, among many others.

Bonnici also explained that the restoration works were all in-house projects and that experts were all engaged by the public sector using public funds and materials.