Restoration work is currently under way on an original military wall map, dating back to when Nato was in Malta (between 1954 and 1971).

Two maps – one dating back to World War II – were found during restoration works at the underground war headquarters in Valletta.

Restoration by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna of the vast underground military complex, covering an area of 28,000 square metres below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, has been going on for the past years.

The job included the restoration of an original military wall map, dating back to when Nato was in Malta (1954 - 1971), which is now nearing its final stages.

The wall map was used for the planning and execution of combined operations by British and Nato forces in the Mediterranean.

A foundation spokesman said work on some parts of the war tunnels between 2013 and 2014 was financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the government.

However, that was not enough, so the Malta Airport Foundation stepped in and donated €280,000 towards the restoration of the combined operations room, including the wall map. The work on the room is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

In a curious turn of events, two older maps, showing all of Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, were uncovered. The wall map visible today had been mounted on the two older ones, one of which had been confirmed as being WWII vintage and could have been used on one of the plotting tables in the operations room, the spokesman noted.

The cost to restore these two maps will not be covered by the Malta Airport Foundation donation and, in fact, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is still looking for sponsors to fund their restoration.

The war HQ tunnels are open to the public and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna offers two guided tours daily, at 10.30am and 1pm.

Apart from the complex, visitors can also tour the St Peter and Paul counterguard. Tours depart from the Saluting Battery.

Visit www.wirtartna.org for more details about the foundation and its work.