You may recall that early last year, the Madonna ta’ L-Aħrax statue that stands at the very tip of Malta’s ‘fish tail’ was removed for restoration. Both the statue and the pedestal on which it stands have now been restored and reinstated following months of conservation work by the Restoration & Preservation Department.

This 150-year-old monument, which dates back to 1870, has long held deep cultural and devotional significance, marking the dramatic edge of l-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa, and the subject of countless photos taken of the area!

During restoration works, Design Dispatch shares that a remarkable historical discovery was made: the team uncovered the original stone pedestal, which had been hidden for decades inside a later concrete structure. The find offered new insights into the monument’s early construction and design.

While the original statue remains missing, the replacement statue, which was in good condition, has now been cleaned, repaired, and returned to its rightful place atop the newly restored pedestal. The marble plaque has also been carefully restored and reattached, while a lantern, once added as an offering of gratitude, has been preserved and repurposed as a standalone feature in front of the monument.

Today, the Madonna once again stands watch over Malta’s rugged northeastern coast – a timeless guardian of the sea and symbol of faith.

Have you seen it yet?