Works on Gateway at Mistra stopped

The Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Education and National Culture, in conjunction with the Museums Department, today took the necessary steps to stop the works being undertaken at the 18th Century Gateway at Mistra Village. The gateway, originally a very fine example of baroque architecture, has been, over the last few weeks, almost entirely demolished and rebuilt in a very inappropriate manner.

The works at Mistra Gateway were being directed by Din l-Art '?elwa, with the assistance of a private sponsor. The Planning Authority had authorised these same works in the course of 1996, without consulting any of the public organisations charged with the conservation of the national architectural heritage. The gate in question is public property and its conservation should have been discussed with the Museums Department and the Works Division.

As a result of these "conservation" works, most of this historical monument has been demolished down to its foundations. The materials utilised in the reconstruction of the Gateway included inappropriate materials, such as concrete and cement. The original wooden gate has likewise been lost or destroyed. In view of the extensive destruction carried out to this monument, the Museums Department has suspended the works.

This incident brings home the fact that heritage conservation and management initiatives lack the necessary co-ordination at a national level. This lack of co-ordination and communication is even more exasperating, when one considers the lack of resources in the country. While restoration initiatives are very much appreciated and welcome, it is felt that such works have to be carried out in a more co-ordinated manner according to acceptable standards and conditions.