The Malta Tourism Authority today carried out an official site visit to the Church of Santa Marija ta’ Duna in Rabat to review the progress of the ongoing conservation and restoration works currently being undertaken at this historically and culturally significant site.
The Church of Santa Marija ta’ Duna has, for centuries, been a place of deep Marian devotion and an important element of Malta’s ecclesiastical and cultural heritage. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church bears witness to the enduring faith of generations, as reflected in the inscription on its main altar, which recalls the faithful’s trust in the Virgin Mary as the bearer of dona caelestica, and as an intercessor for the people.
Historical documentation confirms the presence of a church on this site for several centuries. During his pastoral visitation in 1575, Mgr Pietro Dusina found the original structure in a poor state yet chose to preserve its sanctity. The present church was constructed during the magistery of Grandmaster Nicholas Cotoner (1663–1680), with notable contributions from benefactors such as Bailiff Fra Antonio Saura de Marterugno and Canon Antino Famucelli, whose patronage enriched the church’s artistic and devotional character.
Conserving the Delicate Artistic Richness of this Church
Renowned for its elegant proportions and richly decorated Rococo interior, the church occupies a strategic position along the historic route linking Mdina to Rabat. In recognition of its spiritual and historical importance, the chapel entered a new phase in its history on 4 June 2020, when it was entrusted to the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, following a request made by Amb. Roberto Buontempo, Lieutenant for Malta with the support of His Grace Monsignor Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Grand Prior.
The ongoing restoration project, which focuses primarily on the conservation of the church’s wall paintings, is being undertaken by Atelier del Restauro Ltd. Funding for these works was made available in 2025 through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, reflecting a coordinated national effort to safeguard Malta’s cultural assets.
During today’s visit, representatives from the Malta Tourism Authority were briefed on the methodologies being employed and the progress achieved to date. The works aim to stabilise and conserve the delicate decorative surfaces while gradually revealing their artistic and iconographic richness, ensuring that the church remains accessible and meaningful to visitors and worshippers alike once the project is completed.
"Ensuring our heritage Remains Alive" Comments MTA CEO, Mr Carlo Micallef
Commenting on the ongoing works, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef stated:
“This project demonstrates the Malta Tourism Authority’s continued commitment to preserving and sustaining Malta’s cultural and historical sites. By supporting restoration works such as these at Santa Marija ta’ Duna, we are ensuring that our heritage remains alive, authentic, and accessible for both visitors and the local community.”
Commenting on the project, Amb. Roberto Buontempo stated: “I would like to thank the government of Malta for believing in our resolve to restore this gem. Thanks to this funding, the Order, whose charisma is attached to the Holy Land, will be giving back something tangible to the people of Malta. It is a joint effort that shows the excellent collaboration between the Church and State.”
The Malta Tourism Authority will continue to monitor the progress of the restoration works in close collaboration with all stakeholders, reaffirming its role in protecting and enhancing heritage sites that form an essential part of Malta’s cultural identity and tourism offering.
