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St Agatha’s Tower

A RED JEWEL OF OUR HERITAGE

By Maria Grazia Cassar

St Agatha’s Tower, or the ‘Red Tower’, is back to its beautiful glorious self thanks to the intensive restoration both inside and out which was made possible by the European Regional Development Fund, Operational Programme 2014 - 2020.

The official inauguration took place on Completing this much awaited restoration 7th September, the eve of the feast of was another milestone for Din l-Art Ħelwa, The Nativity of Our Lady, il-Vitorja, as 20 years after the first restoration a major which is celebrated in a special way in overhaul was needed, especially the plastering Mellieha, being the dedication of its parish and painting of the façades which was not church. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Minister of an easy task. Under the expert guidance Tourism, unveiled a plaque and together with and supervision of conservation architect Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Dr Edward Said, and with the collaboration of Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and the Chairman of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the the Malta Tourism Authority Dr Gavin Gulia right materials, technique and colour were who were also present, praised Din l-Art Ħelwa achieved. for its stirling work, thanking its volunteers for An updated, eco-friendly electrical system their dedication and efforts. was installed internally and externally, and all

Din l-Art Ħelwa’s Executive President the walls were cleaned and replastered with a Professor Alex Torpiano thanked the Ministry lime-based material. A new parquet floor was for Tourism and the Secretariat for their laid, leaving the original flagstone flooring and considerable help in the co-financing as well the cistern visible beneath glass panels. The as the implementation of the project, saying roof was treated with a suitable waterproofing that this was a new and successful model of material and finished with a non-slip paint, cooperation between Din l-Art Ħelwa and while a new metal waterspout was added to the Ministry. It is not enough, however, to ensure that water from the roof did not gush look after the ‘jewels in the crown’ of Malta’s down the walls. Restoration work on the front heritage, but it was vital to protect all of Malta’s steps gave the access to the tower a muchenvironment, both natural and built, against needed improved appearance. destruction and bad development.

Top left: The newly plastered and painted Red Tower. Photo: Joe Attard

Above: Professor David Bartolo, volunteer at the Red Tower raises the Din l-Art Ħelwa flag once more at the tower on 1st September 2020 after 18 months closure due to restoration and the Covid pandemic.

Above: (left to right) Doreen Considine, Brian Sly, Prof. Alex Torpiano, Maria Grazia Cassar, Perit Edward Said, Simone Mizzi, Jo Woodall, Mike King, David Cauchi and Red Tower warden James Evans after the inauguration ceremony at the Red Tower. Photo: Joe Attard

Top right: The reception area

Below: (left to right) Maria Grazia Cassar, Dr Gavin Gulia, the Hon Julia Farrugia Portelli, Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Prof. Alex Torpiano

Completing this much awaited restoration was another milestone for Din l-Art Ħelwa

Apart from the physical fabric of the tower, all the necessary services such as burglar alarm, CCTV system, fire detection system and lightning protection were installed, bringing the site up to date with the best modern standards. A new reception desk, television and comfortable chairs for viewing a documentary on the history of St Agatha’s Tower, complete the fresh presentation of the interior. Attractive new signage, welcoming visitors to experience the Red Tower, was installed outside and provided the finishing touch to this extensive project.

The restoration of St Agatha’s Tower forms part of the Northern Coastal Watch EU-funded project which also includes the completed Santa Maria Battery on Comino and Dwejra Tower in Gozo whose restoration will be carried out next year. Din l-Art Ħelwa is very grateful to Director Perit Kevin Fsadni at the Directorate for Product Development within the Ministry of Tourism for the great assistance that he and his staff provided throughout this project. As project leader, I wish to thank Din l-Art Ħelwa council members Dr Stanley Farrugia Randon and Josie Ellul Mercer, the Red Tower warden James Evans and the volunteers for their immense help throughout the project. n