22/05/2026
This week, Dr Shirley Cefai and Prof. JoAnn Cassar from the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage at the University of Malta led the group of first year students following the course on Architecture and Conservation on a study trip to Florence. The trip took the group to view the current restoration project taking place at the Villa Medicea di Careggi (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and was led by the Conservation Architect on the project, Arch. Paolo Pieri Nerli. They were also hosted on a visit to the underground excavations under Palazzo Vecchio, where the site and excavations were explained to the students. This was followed by a short visit to Palazzo Vecchio itself, and especially the Sala del Cinquecento, which is the most important and imposing room of the palace. Another guided visit was to the regeneration project of the previous cigarette manufacturing complex, the Manufattura Tabacchi, a complex of 16 industrial buildings, abandoned for 20 years, and now being converted to bistros and cafes, ateliers and concept stores as well as accommodation, with a sustainable and green philosophy underlying the whole project. The visits were very inspiring, giving the students first-hand experience of conservation projects ranging from interpretation of an archaeological site to the reuse of a 15th century palace, as well as the conversion of industrial heritage. The students participated with enthusiasm and asked numerous positive questions, and one could say they benefited on many levels. Their interest and inquisitive approach made the trip a fruitful one for all.
