THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA PRESIDES OVER LAUNCHING OF BOOK ON ROMANO CARAPECCHIA

The President of Malta yesterday evening presided over the launching of the book Carapecchia: Master of Baroque Architecture in Early Eighteenth Century Malta by Prof. Denis De Lucca at the Palace, Valletta.

Prof. Guido de Marco highlighted the significance of holding the launching of such a publication in the President's Palace, in a city which is a living testimony of the contributions of such master architects as the Italian Romano Carapecchia.

"This book deserves to be launched in the President's Palace for I believe that the Presidency should be associated with culture; it is essential for the Presidency to strive to focus the country's attention on those works which propagate the island's heritage."

"This book should be treasured because it is part of our identity," the President said.

Prof. de Marco concluded that this book highlights the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations, "for, to quote a Kenyan saying, this earth is not ours, it has been lent to us by our children."

Romano Carapecchia (1666-1738) worked in Malta in the time of Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena and was involved in the design of important buildings such as the Manoel Theatre, Spinola Palace, St Barbara's Church, Sta. Caterina d'Italia Church, as well as the embellishment of St John's Co-Cathedral, among other projects.

Prof. De Lucca, Rev. Prof. Peter Serracino Inglott and Prof. Victor Mallia Milanes addressed guests at the book launch.

24.03.2000