This year, Malta’s first deep-water underwater archaeological park will be launched by Heritage Malta. The park, which will be on a seabed site off Xlendi spread on an area of 67,000 square metres, is the result of a collaboration between the public and private sectors, local councils, and stakeholders.
This was announced during a conference titled ‘Lungomare Mediterraneo/Submerged testimonies of the modern Europe’ that the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia is organizing in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta.
This conference was also addressed by Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici who stated that underwater cultural heritage encompasses more than just tourism, archaeology, and academia. He explained that during the past two years, Heritage Malta together with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and with the support of other partners, embarked on this project so that the site is recorded in detail to be declared as the first national archaeological park in deep water.
Minister Bonnici claimed that in order for underwater cultural heritage to be accessible for everyone, an online museum was launched and can be accessed on underwatermalta.org. Through this website, visitors can explore 20 underwater sites in 3D from the comfort of their homes. He said that the new underwater archaeological park will also be accessible virtually. “Through this virtual museum, more people can discover our underwater cultural heritage and appreciate the unique sites in our seas,” stated Minister Bonnici while concluding that the government will keep working diligently to preserve Malta’s history.
On his part, Prof Timmy Gambin from Heritage Malta stated that the management of underwater cultural heritage is going from strength to strength in Malta. “Thanks to the combined efforts of Heritage Malta, the University of Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, Malta is at the forefront of making accessible a part of history that is otherwise hidden,” Prof Gambin said.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister