These two niches, one of Sant’Anna and the other of Our Lady of Solitude, are among the oldest in Gozo and reflect a cult of devotion spread by the Aragonese during the 13th and 14th centuries. The niches needed restoration works in order not only to protect them from further deterioration but also to give their surroundings a better appearance. Two candle lamp holders attached to the stone sill frames of the niches by means of padlocks, which seemed very intrusive, were removed. Two holes in the walls just opposite these respective niches, one of which was sealed with cement, which were originally created and used to hold oil lamps and candles, have been rehabilitated. Restoration was also made on the wood and stone frames. This restoration was carried out in continuous consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and was carried out by the workers of the Restoration Unit and the Citadel, all within the Directorate for Cultural Heritage.
