The next in the series of cultural presentations being organised by Din l-Art Helwa will be a lecture on Thursday by Prof. Mario Buhagiar’s on the early Christian site at Rabat’s Abbatija Tad-Dejr.

This complex, though one of Malta’s prime archaeological sites, has been recognised since at least the early 17th century. Sadly, it has never till now received the attention it strongly deserves, and its recent history has been particularly unfortunate.

Although originally an Early Christian rock-cut cemetery complex with a built extension of apparent architectural significance, it knew a subsequent use, in the early post-Muslim period, as a troglodytic hermitage of Basilian (Greek-rite) monks, who squatted among the tombs, and decorated its walls with Siculo-Byzantinesque cult images for their private contemplation.

The lecture discusses the archaeological and art historical context of the site and assesses its importance within a period in Maltese history that remains largely obscure. It is to be noted that the site is due to be rehabilitated and restored by Din l-Art Helwa in partnership with Heritage Malta.

Mario Buhagiar is Professor of History of Art and Head of the History of Art Programme at the University of Malta. In 1988 he was responsible for establishing History of Art as an academic discipline at the University of Malta. His book, “The Iconography of the Maltese Islands 1400-1900” (Malta, 1987) consolidated the European context of Maltese art history and provided the essential framework for the future development of scholarly research.

He is a contributor to the Grove Dictionary of Art and is the author of specialised books and studies on art and archaeology which include “Late Roman and Byzantine Catacombs and Related Burial Places in the Maltese Island” (Oxford, 1986), and “The Art and Architecture of Late Medieval Malta” (Malta, 2005).

The lecture is being held at 133, Melita Street, Valletta, headquarters of Din l-At Helwa and will commence at 6pm. Those intending to attend are kindly asked to be seated by 5.45pm.