Following the clarification from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage that only part of the Lanfreducci basement is to be protected, FAA would like to issue the following statement:
While it is of course reassuring to know that strong measures are to be taken to protect the part of the Lanfreducci basement that originally formed part of the crypt, it is very disappointing that the beautiful architecture of the rest of the basement still runs the risk of being reduced to showers and toilets.
FAA maintains that projects, especially those in heritage sites, should not be commenced before all the necessary studies are carried out. The NGO calls on the authorities to provide sufficient funding and staff to the Superintendence and the Faculty of Architecture to enable them to map out Valletta’s unique underground features and draw up a restoration and rehabilitation plan to preserve and add value to Valletta’s architectural heritage.