The government is embarking on an ambitious five- to seven-year, multi-million euro project which will see extensive consolidation and restoration works at the Citadel. The project, which is being co-financed by the European Union through the ERDF programme, was officially launched during a presentation held recently at the Citadel.

The project will include photogrammetric surveys and on-site ground investigations, the consolidation of the unstable rock bed foundation, and the execution of restoration works on the ramparts.

Detailed photogrammetric surveys will first be carried out to document the existing state of conservation of the land-front bastion ramparts and medieval enceinte (walls and enclosures within the fortifications) on a stone-to-stone basis.

This graphical documentation is necessary for the subsequent formulation of the tenders covering the actual restoration works and the ongoing documentation of the works once these are taken in hand.

Another issue of utmost importance is the overall stability of the rock bed foundation lying beneath the Citadel's enceinte and its subsequent plans for ground stabilisation works.

It is also envisaged that the project will deal with the deterioration of the stone fabric of the land-front bastion ramparts and mediaeval enceinte.