It was splendid and refreshing to return to Malta after two very difficult years, for a fifth long-stay visit. I was, however, shocked that none of Malta’s fine monuments made the final 77 (new) “Seven Wonders of the World” list!

My considered opinion is that Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Ggantija and the Hypogeum outclass our own Stonehenge, in terms of engineering, completeness, complexity and unique early vintage. Nor is it the quality of these monuments which is at fault, but rather the under-promotion, where they are oft-listed with sandy beaches and shopping markets. Nor should Daphne Caruana Galizia (TMIS, 8 January) excuse this fault which allows the votes to slip. Remember, some 6,000 years ago, Malta led the world.

Coincidentally, the UK government has offered a prize of £50 million to the British town that offers the best monumental iconic symbol. My design, submitted in December 2005, is for the town of Dover, where I have directed excavations and related tourism for 35 years.

It has an eight-point master plan. Its two main elements are a 120ft high bronze statue of a Roman legionary (Colossus) standing astride the great harbour wall and also the rebuilding of the missing Roman lighthouse on top of the famous White Cliffs. Dover was (as now) the gateway to Roman Britain.

The former replicates the Colossus of Rhodes and the latter the Pharos of Alexandria, both (now gone) members of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. Such newly created gateway icons should match the Statue of Liberty and Sydney Harbour Bridge. What tourist could ignore them? The competition results are due in May.

I was also dismayed by the continued neglect of the Valletta City Gate, following my original plea (letter, The Times, January 2004). But clearly, this is a shared concern, as T.Z. Cutajar (The Times 3 January) and J.G. Vassallo (TMID 7 January), so explicitly explain. While “doing nothing” is no longer an option, now it is simply a matter of what and how much? Dare I suggest an outline, instant remedy?

City Gate (with new signage)

General clean of gate, bridge approach and environs, with some repainting and resurfacing;

Inscribe the façade with Valletta – Word Heritage City, and emblazon the two large roundels with the national emblem;

Erect a 15-20ft high bronze statue of Jean de la Valette in full armour and sword on the right of the entrance. The city founder in iconic pose. Perhaps with a matching champion on the left (helpful suggestions on a postcard to the MTA – seven copies please.)

Royal Opera House Site (with new signage.)

General clean and repair of ruins and surrounds;

Spread coloured stone chippings inside the ruins and retained surrounds;

Pole-mount inside the ruins, full-sized replica (in fibreglass) of a Spitfire, Hurricane and Gladiator, in diving modes.

Thus, with such a simple action-plan, two of the most important events in European history can rightly be highlighted. The City Gate would then emphasise the Great Siege of 1565, when Malta prevented the conquest of southern Europe. The bombed site of the Opera House would similarly and dramatically epitomise the heroic Great Siege of 1940-3, when Malta stopped the fascist over-run of the Mediterranean Sea and far beyond.

Nor could any visitor ignore all this! Nor need the cost be great!

Brian Philp

Director, Ken Archaeological Unit

Roman Painted House

Dover

Kent