On 17th March 2014 the Ambassador of Italy Giovanni Umberto De Vito went to Gozo and visited, together with the Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Culture the Hon. Jose’ Herrera, the works of restoration and consolidation of the historic Citadel in Victoria (Rabat).
The project was carried out by the Cooperativa Archeologica di Firenze in collaboration with two other Italian companies, E & G Srl from Rome entrusted with the planning of the project and Geomont Srl from Lecco which worked on the stabilisation of the rock.
The works of restoration and consolidation of the Citadel fall within the scope of a larger project which provides for the preservation of several fortifications in Malta and Gozo with a cost of more than 30 million euros co-funded by the European Union.
During the visit, the Hon. Herrera thanked the companies for the work carried out and underscored the Maltese Government’s commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the cultural heritage of the Maltese islands.
From his part, Ambassador De Vito emphasised the particular Italian expertise and excellence in the area of restoration. He praised the Italian companies for their ability to affirm their skills abroad and their choice to work in joint venture with local counterparts.
This project is a further example of the excellent collaboration which already exists between Italy and Malta even in the area of restoration. 
