Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Cultural heritage conservation in rural Malta
Summary
€10.7 million invested in heritage assets as drivers of rural development through cultural tourism. The project is restoring two sites designated by UNESCO for their World Heritage value. These includes ancient Roman baths and old Christian Catacomb.
Background
Malta is one of the EU’s cultural gems and the islands are home to ten sites that are designated by the World Heritage organisation UNESCO for their international importance. These include well preserved relics from ancient European civilisations and prehistoric times. Maltese rural areas are well endowed with such high quality heritage sites which, when managed effectively, can help to attract considerable revenue for rural communities from tourist income.
Objective
The project intends to study, research, conserve and safeguard two main sites as the Roman baths of Għajn Tuffieħa in Mgarr and two segments of the Ta` Bistra paleochristian Catacombs in Mosta. Outcomes aim to create a better understanding of the sites/areas involved as well as to understand the environmental conservation requirements of the site in order to ensure their long-term value as a heritage assets and rural development resources.
Main activities
Actions co-funded by the EAFRD project include a series of preparatory studies as well as the development of Interpretation areas, access pathways, archaeological covers to protect the mosaics, interpretative aids and visitor facilities.
Results & Benefits
The project will be completed in late 2012. When it opens its doors to the public it will provide a new cultural tourism attraction for this part of rural Malta which will create knock-on opportunities for local businesses who will be able to take advantage of the new tourism trade. Beneficial educational outcomes will also flow from the project for local communities and visitors as well.
Lessons learnt
Cultural heritage assets can act as useful focus points and 'magnets' for developing rural tourism sectors.
Project location and other information
Mgarr and Mosta
Region
Malta
RDP Territory
Malta
Total project cost (€)
10 783 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
7 479 000
National contribution (€)
2 494 000
Private contribution (€)
810 000
Project website
Contact name
Suzannah Depasquale at Heritage Malta
Telephone
+356 22 954 000
Languages for contact
English, Maltese
At a glance
Country
Malta
Final beneficiary type
Public/local authorities
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2010
End Date:
31/12/2012
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
323. Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Keywords:
Historical site, Rural heritage, Rural tourism, Island, Cultural heritage
Last update
13/09/2013