Siġġiewi’s Lunzjata Chapel near Laferla Cross threatened by ground movement

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📰 Malta

Siġġiewi’s Lunzjata Chapel near Laferla Cross threatened by ground movement 14.04.2026

MaltaToday

A new study published in Catena, led by Giona Bucci Monica of the University of Malta, reveals that the 15th-century Lunzjata Chapel in Siġġiewi, already a site of recurrent damage from historical earthquakes, is now threatened by a slow, ongoing geological process of ground displacement. This phenomenon, known as lateral spreading, involves the outward movement of the limestone plateau atop a swelling and weakening layer of Blue Clay, causing gradual deformation and cracking of the chapel. The research, utilizing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and photogrammetry, documented displacement velocities between 7.6mm and 17.6mm per year, with cumulative movements reaching 72mm. This instability is exacerbated by rainfall, leading to ongoing restoration works that began in October 2023 and have missed their deadline due to emerging structural concerns. The study also highlights similar risks at other heritage sites, including the Madonna tal-Aħrax monument, Popeye Village, and Ġnejna Tower, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring and reinforcement strategies.

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