En-Sure was engaged by the Fondazzjoni Socjo-Kulturali Ambjentali Agustinjana (FSKAA) to conduct exploratory archaeological monitoring at the Augustinian Priory in Valletta. This monitoring was required as part of the evaluation process for an Interpretation Centre proposed by the FSKAA.

The Augustinian Priory is part of a block comprised of church, sacristy, oratory and priory; the block is located between Old Bakery, St John, Old Mint and St Mark Streets. The current parish church replaced the original (which was one of the first churches to be built in Valletta, and which faced the opposite direction) and is scheduled as a Grade 1 monument.

During phase one (the pre-permitting phase), En-Sure’s monitors unearthed part of the original pillars for the old church, water channels and structures related to a water system, flag stone flooring, and a graffito dating to the 15th century. The collected data and documentation have been submitted to the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, and the development planning permitting process has now commenced.

If authorisation is granted and EU funds are awarded, the second phase of the project will involve the excavation of the internal courtyard where parties are hopeful that additional parts of the original church will be uncovered.

The findings were also featured in the local press – see the video below and news article.