Iconic Lija belvedere to be restored

The iconic protected belvedere tower which graces the locality of Ħal Lija with its monumental architectural splendour will be restored after the Planning Commission granted permission for works to go ahead, the Planning Authority said.

Some areas of the belvedere are in dire need for works to be carried out, most of all, the column capitals and shafts which are exhibiting severe deterioration. Some of the capitals (the stone area between the top part of the column and the load thrusting down upon it) are suffering severe back weathering with the moulded areas losing completely their readability and in areas creating a danger to the upper areas of the Tower.

The planning permission also includes an approved restoration method statement which has received the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage endorsement. The Planning Authority’s conservation officers will monitor the restoration works.

The belvedere tower was designed and built by architect Giuseppe Bonavia in 1857. It served as a folly within the gardens of Marquis Depiro’s 17th century Villa Gourigon. The tower was a symbol of power and wealth since it was highly visible from several other parts of the surrounding villages.

The restoration project which will be carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority together with the Lija Local Council will ensure that the belvedere tower is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

Back in 1996, the Planning Authority had granted Grade 1 protection status to this belvedere.

The belvedere tower is constructed in globigerina limestone and has a circular plan and a Neo-classical style. It is built on four levels. The ground floor has a central circular core used as a small store around which a monumental staircase is wrapped on either side of a central doorway.

The lower floor is surrounded by a wrought iron fencing acting as security around the tower. The staircase has an elaborate balustrade which continues along the whole first level. The first level also features a circular colonnaded porch with the columns having decorative ionic capitals, with the central core again being accessed through a spiral staircase to the third level, where there is a small terrace with a decorative masonry low wall all around. The fourth level contains a narrow terrace with a wrought iron railing, and the core is then roofed over with a small semi-circular dome.

The belvedere formed part of the history of Malta in that several meetings were held In Villa Depiro Gourgion to discuss the first conception of the Maltese Constitution in 1921.