The St. John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation firmly refutes and denies the claims made recently in the media in which headlines stated that there was a “collapse” in the floor within the Bartolott Crypt chamber. The title and references to a “collapse” are inaccurate, and misleading.

The Foundation clarifies that at no time was there any “collapse” in the existing floor, no damage sustained to the burial chambers beneath and, absolutely no degradation to the structural integrity of the historical structures, which remain uncompromised.

As part of the Foundation’s commitment to continue showcasing stored artefacts to the public, a raised flooring was introduced to allow for showcases to be installed with the primary objective that the existing limestone flagstones be safeguarded. Localised settlement in select and few flagstones was corrected and consolidation works took place, in limited areas, such that any further compression of loose bedding material underlying the flagstones is avoided.

The Foundation confirms that prior to the continuation of any work, discussions and full approval was sought from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage with all consolidation works being carried out meticulously, under constant archaeological monitoring conditions.

The public can rest assured that the Foundation always worked to restore and preserve the history of the Co-Cathedral, as it has done in this case and will continue to do so in the future.