The Roman Domus in Rabat is due to reopen in February after a Lm180,000 restoration venture.

The restoration work was carried out by Heritage Malta. In a visit to the Domus yesterday, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said Heritage Malta operates 33 historic sites around Malta and Gozo.

“At a time when the government is doing its utmost to ensure that tourists visiting Malta live through an experience, Heritage Malta has become a major player in the development of our tourism industry and the economy,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.

Dr Zammit Dimech said Heritage Malta wanted to embark on 12 projects that are set to cost more than Lm900,000. These include various levels of restoration and development to the Domus itself, Gozo sites, the Palace façade, the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa, the Archaeology and Fine Arts Museums, the armoury at the Palace, the catacombs, a children’s area at Ghar Dalam, the Maritime Museum and the conservation of Auberge de France.

Dr Zammit Dimech added that the Ggantija and Mnajdra temples were to be turned into heritage parks.

Speaking about the restoration of the Domus, Dr Zammit Dimech said the job was very delicate. “The whole project included the movement and storage of artefacts including mosaics. Then the whole site had to be re-planned before anything could be done,” he said.

Dr Zammit Dimech said a lot of work was put into re-building the site. Various skilled workers were needed for marble work, gypsum, glass, iron and the general re-construction of the site.

He said the site was completely accessible so anti-burglary and theft systems have been installed. Dr Zammit Dimech said that apart from the restoration to the site itself, various work was being carried out to make the surrounding area more pleasant, including illumination of the building, creation of a disabled parking area as well as landscaping.

“The projects being carried out at these sites are of the highest quality because we want all our visitors to immerse themselves in our history and participate in it through modern media,” Dr Zammit Dimech concluded.

The Tourism Minister said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was due to open the Roman Domus on 26 February.