Barbaric vandalism

A number of chapels dating back to the medieval period can be found scattered in the countryside of the Maltese Islands. They are in their majority composed of a nave only and usually have a roof resting on a number of pointed arches. One of these known as Santa Cecilia Chapel is in the limit of Ghajnsielem Gozo.

Thursday night, August 23rd. unknown person/s forced their into the chapel and set fire which caused serious damage to this building. It seems that local police are investigating.

Wirt Ghawdex has condemned what it termed as the "barbaric vandalism" at St Cecilia chapel, the only surviving mediaeval chapel in Gozo.

Wirt Ghawdex said it has been calling for a number of years for the enforcement of the expropriation order on the chapel made 10 years ago. "Now, more than ever before, immediate action must be taken by the authorities to safeguard this important monument from total destruction," it said.

This late mediaeval chapel has been utterly neglected and is in danger of collapse. It seems that the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and the Ghajnsielem Local Council are aware that the building is in danger of collapse, and have repeatedly requested that action be taken immediately, even the Ministry for Gozo has been informed.

A decision on this issue must be reached promptly and without any further delay, as work must commence before the winter rains set in to prevent the chapel from being damaged any further.

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