An interim visitor centre was set up at the Ggantija Temples in Gozo to enhance the experience of all those who visit this very popular heritage site in the Maltese islands.

The centre, which is situated at the entrance, enhances the rural settings of this unique historical site. It is the first phase of the visitors’ centre project and is presently housing an exhibition space for reproductions of early 19th-century watercolours by Charles Frederick de Brocktorff, depicting the Ggantija Temples and the neighbouring Xaghra Stone Circle.

Current works at the Ggantija Temples include the complete removal of the concrete walls surrounding the temples, which had been constructed in 1957. These are now being replaced by a low-lying feature that enhances the magnificent view of the temples’ back wall immediately upon the entrance to the site, together with the removal of the toilet facilities that are in close proximity of the temples.

Heritage Malta Gozo Area Manager, Godwin Vella said that the national agency is aiming to set up a heritage park at the Ggantija Temples by 2013. The project is an ambitious one that involves not only works on the site but also on nearby grounds. This project will be funded by the national government, the European Union, and the Vodafone Malta foundation.

Heritage Malta Chairperson, Dr Mario Tabone said that the Ggantija project embodies Heritage Malta’s objective in reaching international levels in the conservation and management of its sites. It gives particular importance not only to the temples as a structure of exceptional cultural importance but also to the site in its entirety including all aspects that improve the visitors’ experience at this unique heritage site.

The Minister for Gozo, Hon. Giovanna Debono said that Ggantija temples receive more than 160,000 visitors annually. She added that the government, together with Heritage Malta and the Ministry for Gozo, is committed towards improving the island’s historical and cultural assets. Projected works do not only include Ggantija but also the Gozo Citadel, the Museum of Archaeology, the provision of showcases for unique prehistoric artefacts discovered in Gozo, and other restoration works, such as those at the Sannat limestone kiln and at the Citadel.