Monitoring the temples

Heritage Malta is launching an intensive programme of environmental monitoring at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples with a view to protect these sites from the elements. From the Malta Independent on Sunday:

The environmental monitoring of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra will involve recording of factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed, which all contribute to the sites’ deterioration. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples had been buried for thousands of years prior to their excavation in 1839-40. On excavation these sites were suddenly exposed to harsh environmental conditions which have caused their rapid deterioration leading to the loss of certain features, and in some cases, to the collapse of parts of the structures.

In order to address this disquieting situation, in 2000 a Scientific Committee for the Conservation of the Megalithic Temples was appointed, for the first time, to examine various possibilities that could slow down the deterioration of the sites. The Committee reached the conclusion that the best way to protect the sites at present is to install temporary and reversible lightweight shelters. In August 2000 the proposal for sheltering these prehistoric monuments was approved by Cabinet.

World Heritage Sites