A historic gate and bastion wall separating Fgura and Cospicua will be restored by the end of the year after centuries of neglect.  

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici on Friday visited the St John’s Gate curtain wall that forms part of the Cottonera Lines - massive defensive structures erected between the 17th and 18th centuries by the Knights to protect the Three Cities and Grand Harbour. 

Bonnici said that the once proud fortifications have become scarred by time, but are now getting a facelift managed by the Restoration Directorate.

Glenn Bedingfield, chairman of Fondazzjoni Kottonera tasked to implement the government strategy for the Three Cities, said some €20million has been invested in recent years towards the restoration of fortifications and other historic sites in the area.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli said she had been working for the restoration of historic structures in the area ever since she was first appointed mayor of Cospicua.