Celebrating 60 Years of Din l-Art Ħelwa

A blog by Catherine Leonard, INTO Secretary-General

This weekend, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 60th anniversary of Din l-Art Ħelwa, Malta’s National Trust.

Founded in 1965 by Judge Maurice Caruana Curran, this pioneering organisation has been at the forefront of heritage conservation, advocacy and community engagement for six decades.

Over that time, Din l-Art Ħelwa’s dedicated volunteers and supporters have safeguarded Malta’s rich cultural and natural heritage for future generations. And they have played their part in international networks like Europa Nostra and INTO, for which we are deeply grateful.

Din l-Art Ħelwa has been an integral part of the International National Trusts Organisation since its inception in 2007. In fact, it was one of the driving forces behind INTO, helping to shape our global network of heritage organisations.

Since then, Din l-Art Ħelwa’s representatives have played a key role in INTO’s leadership and governance, with distinguished figures such as Martin Scicluna, Simone Mizzi and Martin Galea, who now serves as INTO’s Vice Chair, contributing their expertise and passion.

I first met Martin Galea over 25 years ago at the launch of the European Network of National Heritage Organisations (ENNHO) in Brussels. Din l-Art Ħelwa has consistently championed international engagement, exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and advocacy that lies at the heart of our mission.

A proudly independent and still largely volunteer-run organisation, Din l-Art Ħelwa has consistently punched above its weight in heritage conservation and campaigning. Over the years, it has successfully fought against inappropriate planning decisions, ensuring that Malta’s historic sites and landscapes remain protected.

But what’s equally inspiring is how it has acquired and restored neglected properties, breathing new life into forts and historic buildings that might otherwise have been lost. I witnessed this firsthand during my visit in 2022, when we advised on the potential acquisition of Qbajjar Battery. A project beautifully documented by my National Trust colleague Emma Thomas in this report.

Din l-Art Ħelwa has saved and restored numerous historic sites over the past sixty years, ensuring their preservation for future generations:

1968: Restoration of Wignacourt Tower, Malta’s oldest coastal watchtower, marking the organisation’s first major conservation project
1973: Acquisition and restoration of St. Agatha’s Tower (The Red Tower) in Mellieħa, a striking 17th-century fortification
1981: Restoration of Msida Bastion Historic Garden, transforming a neglected cemetery into a peaceful heritage site
1995: Conservation of Mamo Tower, a unique 17th-century fortified farmhouse in Marsaskala
2003: Restoration of Għallis Tower, a coastal watchtower that had suffered significant deterioration
2011: Entrusted with the restoration and management of Our Lady of Victory Church, Valletta’s first building, safeguarding its Baroque ceiling and historic altars
2015: Restoration of Dwejra Tower in Gozo, a vital coastal defence structure dating back to the Knights of St John

Din l-Art Ħelwa’s commitment to international collaboration extends far beyond INTO’s governance. Long-term members of Europa Nostra, it’s fantastic that they are hosting the Europa Nostra Council this weekend.

I am delighted to be in Malta, celebrating this significant milestone alongside fellow Council members. It is a privilege to mark this occasion with friends, colleagues and heritage champions who have worked tirelessly to protect and promote Malta’s rich history.

Another international dimension is that Din l-Art Ħelwa is part of our INTO Places programme. This means its members can visit the properties of 30 other INTO member organisations for free (and vice versa). More details about this initiative can be found here.

As Din l-Art Ħelwa marks its 60th anniversary, we celebrate its extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to heritage conservation. From its advocacy efforts to its hands-on restoration projects, this organisation continues to inspire and lead by example.

We wish Din l-Art Ħelwa all the very best for the next 60 years and beyond. May its legacy of preservation and passion continue to thrive!