Part of the Valletta fortifications, including a labyrinth of tunnels built in the second world war and later also used by NATO, was today handed over by the government to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, which will create a multi-period heritage park.

The properties were handed over by Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt, Education Minister Dolores Cristina and Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi in the biggest ever transfer of government property for this purpose.

The properties include the saluting battery at the Barrakka gardens, the nearby ditch, St Peter and St Paul counterguard and the tunnels beneath, including the Lascaris war rooms. Some of the tunnels were never before opened to the public.

Mario Farrugia, executive chairman of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, explains the foundation’s plans (see video).

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