The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage Issues a Conservation & Protection Order on Palazzo Marnisi, Marsaxlokk

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has issued a Conservation and Protection Order on Palazzo Marnisi, Marsaxlokk.

Officials of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage have inspected the Palazzo Marnisi in Marsaxlokk in line with Article 60 of the Cultural Heritage Act (2002, as amended), and has confirmed evidence of extensive vandalism, damage, squatting and abandonment of this heritage building. Artefacts of clear heritage value have also been found to be broken and possibly stolen.

By virtue of Cultural Heritage Act, Articles 57, 59 and 63, a Conservation and Protection Order obliges the owners/ possessors of Palazzo Marnisi to undertake works that aim to safeguard and secure the property against vandalism and unwarranted access, subject to the approval of the Superintendence.

The owners/ possessors of Palazzo Marnisi are to contact [email protected] within fifteen (15) days of this notification.

This Conservation and Protection Order follows multiple attempts by the Superintendence to make contact with the owners/ possessors of Palazzo Marnisi in autumn of 2023. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is imbibed with the authority to enter cultural properties at risk and register a special privilege on the property under the provisions of Article 60 of the Cultural Heritage Act.

The Conservation and Protection Order seeks to impose emergency remedial measures to address the damage confirmed by the site inspection, including securing the site from trespassing, removal of existing fire hazards, and the restoration of an ancient column and base.