The area in front of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum entrance in Paola has been inaugurated as a pedestrian zone, upon completion of a project which saw the paving of the street, the implementation of other infrastructural works, and the area's embellishment for the benefit of Hypogeum visitors and nearby residents, a government statement read.

The project was undertaken by Heritage Malta.

The pedestrian zone was inaugurated by the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and Heritage Malta's Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit. "This project grants additional prominence and dignity to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is now more distinct from its surrounding structures. The area in front of it allows no vehicle access and has been enhanced with new paving slabs, floor lighting, street furniture and planters," stated Minister Owen Bonnici.

Heritage Malta's Chief Executive Officer Noel Zammit thanked all those who worked on this project. He said that the Hypogeum is now better protected and can be enjoyed by present and future generations.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground burial complex that was in use from around 4000BC to 1500 BC. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 and is very sought after by visitors.

In an effort to document and understand the more recent history of the site, Heritage Malta is asking people who have any old personal memories of the Hypogeum to call on 23954353 from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00 or to send an email to [email protected]. The collection of these memories is planned to be part of the National Archives of Malta's project, MEMORJA.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Paola were also present for the inauguration.