During a press conference it was announced that specialised restoration and underground consolidation works have commenced at the historic Lunzjata Chapel, found in the area known as tal-Għolja, in Siġġiewi.

The Lunzjata Chapel is currently faces the imminent risk of collapse, primarily due to the geological and geomorphological challenges associated with its underlying terrain.

Following a request for this intervention to take place by the Siġġiewi community and the completion of technical studies in conjunction with the ecclesiastical authorities, this important restoration project will now commence.

There were some technical reports on the fault known as Migra Ilma but now that they have been resolved, restoration works can start. 

“The project will first focus on providing the church with an underground structural foundation system composed of reinforced beams, piles, and anchors that bypass the unstable soil layers”, the architect for the Restoration and Preservation Division, Ivana Farrugia explained.

“Following this delicate geotechnical intervention, works will then proceed to tackle the restoration of the visible, above-ground church structure”, she continued.

The history of the Lunzjata Chapel dates all the way back to the 15^th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous repairs, partial reconstructions, extensions, and alterations.