Heritage Malta launched its popular series of Heritage Trails for 2007, with five trails planned for this year. Each trail will focus on a different theme, including history, ecology, archaeology and art and promises to be an interesting insight into Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

The first trail will be held on Sunday 18 February and will focus on the Inquisition in Malta. Visitors will have the rare opportunity of visiting the Inquisitor’s Palace in Girgenti and will learn more about this intriguing period of local ecclesiastical history.

A second trail in April will give participants insight about the local geology, ecology and flora of Malta with a special focus on Dingli Cliffs, Buskett Gardens and the National Museum of Natural History.

The Summer Solstice at Hagar Qim temples will be the subject of another Heritage Trail to be held in June. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch this phenomenon and learn more about our ancestors, the pre-historic temple builders.

Another trail planned for September will give art lovers the opportunity to appreciate Caravaggio’s legacy in Malta and his influence on his contemporary art scene, especially on the ensuing Carvaggisti school.

The last Heritage Trail will take place in November and will focus on the British Period in Malta. Places to be visited include Fort Madliena and the Old Bakery within the Malta Maritime Museum.

Tickets for each trail cost Lm5 and can be obtained from Heritage Malta’s Head Office in Merchants Street, Valletta (tel: 22954312). Alternatively, a block ticket for all five Heritage Trails can be purchased for Lm22 up to Friday 16 February.