The main scope of the
project was the restoration of the Bastions and masonry revetments and the
scarped bedrock of the main bastioned front of Valletta - a world heritage site
- together with its outer screen of counterguards and advanced works. The
project also sought to identify and promote the spaces within the
fortifications in such a way so as to maximize the cultural and economical
potential of the fortifications.
Valletta is Malta’s
prime historical fortress renowned for its architectural and cultural
significance. Its status as a world-heritage site dictates that its state of
repair and level of presentation should reflect its onerous position as one of
the leading monuments of sixteenth-century military architecture in the world.
Over the years,
Valletta’s extensive and complex system of defences and fortifications,
particularly along its main Landfront and ditch, has suffered considerably from
neglect and deterioration. The interventions enabled these important
fortifications to be properly documented, repaired, restored, and
rehabilitated. These works rendered these historic ramparts significantly much
more presentable and made them more accessible and much more legible from a
cultural and touristic point of view.
The restoration of
the fortifications transformed the Valletta landward fortifications into a
major tourist attraction and allowed, for the first time, for the introduction
of a heritage trail with access to most of the enceinte. Various internal
spaces within the restored ramparts, like casemates, powder magazines, and
other tunnels and passageways, were also made available for cultural tourism
and economic activities. Other areas were transformed into pleasant scenic
vantage points for the enjoyment of the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour
areas.