Heritage Malta has planned a number of special events to celebrate World Tourism Day on Tuesday 27 September.

The national agency will be conducting four guided tours at the Ta’ Mintna Catacombs in Mqabba. This site is not usually open to the public and this will be a good opportunity for locals and tourists alike to visit this archeological site.

Ta’ Mintna Catacombs at Mqabba consist of three interlinking hypogea dating to circa the 4th century AD. One can see remarkable architectural sculptures of scallop shells and fluted pilasters decorating the tombs. An agape table is also present as well as rows of pyramidal lamp holes which are unique in Maltese hypogea.

Four guided tours will be held at 9.30am, 10.15am, 11.00am and 11.45am. Admission is restricted to 10 people per tour. Adults pay Lm1 while senior citizens and students pay 50c each. Children under 12 years enter free of charge. Tickets have to be booked at head office and are strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Meanwhile, Heritage Malta is offering discounted admission of up to 50 per cent in selected sites including the Domus Romana in Rabat, Ghar Dalam in Birzebbuga and the Ta’ Kola Windmill in Xaghra, Gozo. Guided tours will be available at different times during the day at these sites.

As on every Tuesday, the megalithic temples of Ta’ Hagrat in Mgarr will be open between 9.30am and 11am whereas the Skorba Temples will be open between 11.30am and 1pm. As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, admission to these two temples will be discounted by 50 per cent.