Restoration works have started on the interior ceiling paintings of the Parish Church of Żurrieq. This project will be implemented with an investment of around €60,000, partially co-funded by Arts Council Malta.
This work was necessitated after the paintings on the ceiling above the altar had crumbled almost completely, and thus it was necessary to have direct intervention that would bring back to life the artistic beauty of this upper part of the ceiling. The artist Manuel Farrugia will paint these paintings.
Culture minister Owen Bonnici said that: “Due to the damage that the paintings suffered over the years, it was decided that these paintings should be redone, and in a way that complements the artistic works that already exist in the Żurrieq Parish Church.”
He stated that the government is committed to continue investing in the religious patrimony of our country and claimed that this work joins a series of interventions that have taken place in various churches and chapels spread throughout Malta.
The architect in charge of the works, Daniel Darmanin, gave a detailed explanation of the work being carried out. “A temporary roof made of beams and wood has been built, to create access to the roof, while the space in the Church can continue to be used. This temporary roof will give the opportunity for the existing damages to be studied closely and the necessary interventions will be screened before the painting can be done.”
Also present for this press conference were the members of the Żurrieq Local Council and the Archpriest Daniel Cardona.