The conservation and restoration project has been completed on two large paintings located in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Visitation in Għarb, Gozo. The restoration work, amounting to €40,000 with 80% co-financing from European Union funds, was inaugurated this weekend.

This restoration work, to which the parishioners also contributed, included the cleaning and restoring of the altar painting and frame done by Emanuel Pereira, a 17th-century Portuguese artist, painted in 1688 and showing the Virgin of the Rosary.

Another painting was also cleaned and restored, this time attributed to the school of Mattia Preti (17th century), which shows the Virgin and Child with the Souls in Purgatory.

Over the years, both these two paintings were exposed to high levels of elements and have been in a state of deterioration. In addition to the main objective of beautification and conservation of these paintings, this restoration work also provides a tribute to these works of art and, with the help of European funds, they are also increasing the value of the Maltese tourist product.

This restoration is part of a series of restorations carried out under the ERDF project.05.102 - Strengthening the heritage ecclesiastical and artistic culture of Gozo for present and future generations. This is a project that cost €2.24 million, of which €1.7 million was allocated from the European Regional Development Fund, under the Priority Asset 5 program.