Grand Prix for Din l-Art Ħelwa – The National Trust for Malta celebrated in Valletta in the presence of the President of Malta

On 2 October, Din l-Art Ħelwa – The National Trust for Malta celebrated the 2026 European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award and the Grand Prix received in the category of Heritage Champions at a ceremony held at Verdala Palace in the presence of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta and Patron of Din l-Art Ħelwa.

Din l-Art Ħelwa was recognised for more than 60 years of dedicated work in safeguarding Malta’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage through restoration, advocacy and public engagement. Founded in 1965, the volunteer-driven organisation manages historic sites and has played a leading role in heritage protection across the Maltese Islands.

H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, commended the organisation’s work and highlighted the important role it has played since its foundation by Judge Maurice Caruana Curran, shortly after Malta gained independence. Beyond its restoration and conservation projects, the President of Malta recognised Din l-Art Ħelwa’s contribution to fostering a culture that values historical heritage, strengthening civic awareness and raising awareness among younger generations of their responsibility towards future generations.

The ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including Ministers Malcolm Paul Agius Galea and Owen Bonnici; Professor Paolo Vitti, Board Member of Europa Nostra; and members of the organisation’s council, volunteers, sponsors and friends of Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Patrick Calleja, Executive President of Din l-Art Ħelwa, who paid tribute to the generations of volunteers whose tireless and selfless efforts over six decades have contributed to the rescue of more than 60 properties and works of art.

“This Award belongs to all of us here, the volunteers, past and present, and all the members, donors, and sponsors without whose help nothing would have been achieved,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Europa Nostra, Professor Paolo Vitti reflected on the longstanding relationship between the two organisations, noting that “Din l-Art Ħelwa has been an integral part of the Europa Nostra network since 1967. For almost sixty years, our two organisations have therefore been part of the same European heritage movement, united by the conviction that heritage is a shared responsibility and that civil society has a vital role to play in protecting it”. He praised the organisation as “a European and international reference for sensitive resilience and responsible stewardship in the field of heritage”.

The Awards Plaque was jointly unveiled by the President of Malta, Professor Paolo Vitti, Patrick Calleja, Anthony Guillaumier, Secretary General of Din l-Art Ħelwa, and Simone Mizzi, former President of the organisation.

The ceremony concluded with a reception bringing together volunteers, council members, and supporters to celebrate more than six decades of collective commitment to Malta’s heritage.