Four maps of the Great Siege produced in 1565 have achieved UNESCO status, Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici announced this morning.

The maps, one of which belongs to the University of Prague and the others which belong to Heritage Malta, were produced by the map maker as a news item of sorts, recording movements of the siege at various pivotal moments throughout the battle.

Bonnici said that with this "honour" of global recognition through UNESCO, the Great Siege will "now be part of the world’s collective memory."

Theman behind the creation of these maps was Giovanni Francesco Camocio.

MUZA curator Bernadine Scicluna explained that the maps were made from the same copper plate which was adjusted sporadically in line with the dynamics of the military action.

Heritage Malta Chairman Joseph Buttigieg, present at the conference at the Heritage Malta headquarters, assured that more UNESCO recognition is in store for parts of Malta’s heritage.

"This won't be an isolated incident," Bonnici reiterated.