Din l-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) has become a member of Forte Cultura, a ‘European Cultural Route’ and international network of fortified heritage specialising in the research, protection, preservation and sustainable use of historical fortress monuments.
Founded in 2014, Forte Cultura was established to honour Europe’s rich and diverse fortress architecture spanning multiple historical periods. The European Cultural Route currently comprises 64 stations across 15 countries, forming a transnational platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and cultural promotion within the field of fortified heritage.
Through its membership in Forte Cultura, DLĦ becomes part of a Europe-wide network dedicated to the conservation and interpretation of fortifications. This affiliation will enhance the international visibility of Malta’s fortified heritage, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and contribute to attracting greater cultural and educational tourism to historic sites across the islands.
DLĦ is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation whose mission is to safeguard the cultural heritage and natural environment of Malta. The organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, marking six decades of sustained commitment to heritage protection and public stewardship.
Functioning as the National Trust of Malta, DLĦ restores cultural heritage sites on behalf of the State, the Church, and private owners, while also managing and maintaining these sites for the benefit of the public.
Over the past six decades, DLĦ has played a decisive role in the protection of Malta’s built and natural heritage. Through timely intervention, restoration initiatives and long-term stewardship agreements, the organisation has contributed to the safeguarding of hundreds of cultural and historic sites, ranging from fortifications, palaces, chapels and vernacular buildings to landscapes of outstanding cultural value.
Many of these sites were at risk of irreversible deterioration prior to intervention and have since been returned to public use, education and cultural life.