Maltese temples

Hagar Qim 1

Image by bawn79

fitzcoraldo Jan 12, 2009 19:30:52

Hi Baz
it's great that you've been lucky enough to capture and share this period of transition for the temples.
Considering the history of the islands, it's kind of ironic that now, a time of relative stability in the Maltese islands, is the time when these beautiful temples are facing their greatest threat.

I believe there is also a plan to cover/enshroud Tarxien, Did you hear anything of this? In a strange way, I think that covering may act to improve the ambience at that particular temple.

I suppose you could look at it from the view point that the temple buildings originally were roofed although of course, the courtyards weren't. I guess it will all depend on how the enclosure is managed.
I think it is important, in the case of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, that the seaward views from within the temples are maintained.

cheers
fitz

FourWinds Jan 12, 2009 19:51:25

Replying to fitzcoraldo

fitzcoraldo wrote:

I think it is important, in the case of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, that the seaward views from within the temples are maintained.

cheers
fitz

It looks like the view from Mnajdra will be obscured a bit - http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/72030/mnajdra.html

I'm a bit miffed that I never got there before these were erected. Hopefully, it'll all be sorted by the time I'm there next month :-)

CianMcLiam Jan 12, 2009 23:33:15

Replying to fitzcoraldo

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=46147

Doesn't sound great... The pic they must be referring to isn't included unfortunately

sals Jan 13, 2009 12:06:26

Replying to fitzcoraldo

fitzcoraldo wrote:

I believe there is also a plan to cover/enshroud Tarxien, Did you hear anything of this? In a strange way, I think that covering may act to improve the ambience at that particular temple.
....

cheers
fitz

There's a new visitor centre planned (and well overdue), but not covering to my knowledge, Fitz. I'm over there next week and will get an update on it though.

Sals

FourWinds Jan 13, 2009 18:03:09

Replying to fitzcoraldo

"Works should be finalized during February 2009 however the exact date is
not yet known. I suggest you check while you are in Malta."

baza Jan 15, 2009 21:12:28

Replying to fitzcoraldo

I'm pleased to see that my pics have sparked some consideration as to what's happening to the temples on Malta now.

Latest news is that the weather has not yet been fine enough to get the first canopy up, at Mnajdra, so sals will probably encounter the same situation as I did. I.e., entry to some of the Hagar Qim temples site is allowed but Mnajdra will be closed.

The new visitors' centre for the two sites is under construction next to the car park and this has created much local criticism.

There are further plans for shelters and visitors' centres at Tarxien and Ggantija. The latter has a fairly recently completed small, 'interim' visitors reception building.

fitzcoraldo wrote:

I believe there is also a plan to cover/enshroud Tarxien, Did you hear anything of this? In a strange way, I think that covering may act to improve the ambience at that particular temple.

You've caused me to think about the situation at Tarxien and, yes, you could well be correct with regard to the covering of these temples to protect them. They are already enclosed within walls in a built up area so they are already denied their open position within the landscape. The scaffolding and protective cover over the animal carvings will be removed.

I was frustrated at all of the paid sites because at every one there are areas roped off which I'd liked to have entered.

CianMcLiam Jan 23, 2009 23:11:54

Replying to fitzcoraldo

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090123/local/winds-tear-mnajdra-shelter-panel

The shelters look even uglier than I imagined going by this pic!

baza Mar 4, 2009 01:42:30

Replying to fitzcoraldo

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090303/local/heritage-malta-confident-of-strength-of-temple-shelters/