BOV Foundation marks completion of conservation project at Capucchins Chapel in Gozo
Bank of Valletta (BOV), through the BOV Foundation, has marked the completion of a significant conservation project at the Capuchins Chapel in Victoria, Gozo. This historical chapel is 300 years old, and found on the grounds of the Convent. The conservation, carried out by Prevarti, focused on the chapel’s interior decorative work, which had suffered the effects of time, environmental exposure, and previous interventions.
To mark the completion of the project, Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta and Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation, visited the chapel, where he was welcomed by Bro. Vince Axiaq. During the visit, Mr Agius reviewed the restored interiors and commended the high level of craftsmanship and care that guided the project from start to finish.
The conservation work addressed long-standing deterioration that had obscured the chapel’s decorative scheme. Prevarti’s team stabilised fragile paint, recovered hidden details, and revived areas that had been lost over time, while ensuring the original artistic character remained at the heart of the project.
Pierre Bugeja, Chief Conservator at Prevarti, reflected on the process, “When we first began work on the chapel, it was clear that time had left its mark. Much of the paint was fragile or lifting, and a number of details had been dulled or lost altogether. We aimed to bring clarity back to the artwork without forcing anything that didn’t belong. Bit by bit, we uncovered colours and patterns that had been hidden for years, and restored missing sections in a way that respects the original hand. It has been a privilege to help return the chapel to a state that truly reflects its beauty and history.”
Highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding the Maltese islands’ cultural heritage, Mr Agius remarked, “What has been achieved here is remarkable. The chapel’s decorative work had reached a stage where it risked fading into obscurity, and this project has given it new life. The BOV Foundation believes strongly in supporting work that preserves our cultural heritage, and this restoration is an excellent example of how careful collaboration can make a real difference. Once again, the chapel once again stands as a place of beauty, meaning, and pride.”
Bro. Vince Axiaq expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community, saying, “For us, the chapel is a place that carries our community’s memories and faith. Seeing it restored with such care has been deeply moving. Details that had long disappeared have been brought back with great sensitivity, and the space now feels brighter and more alive while still honouring its spiritual purpose.
Through its ongoing efforts, the BOV Foundation continues to support cultural heritage initiatives across the Maltese Islands, contributing to the protection and appreciation of sites that hold artistic, historic, and community importance.
