The Limestone Heritage, a new and unique tourist attraction offering an insight into the ancient crafts of quarrying and masonry, was inaugurated yesterday by Culture Minister Louis Galea.

The attraction is situated in Mikiel Azzopardi Street, Siggiewi and set within a disused open pit quarry. It spreads over 0.33 hectares.

A 10-minute, multi-lingual video production gives a vivid and fascinating introduction to the subject while a collection of authentic exhibits, artifacts, machinery, specially-made dioramas and multi-lingual, audio visual aids offer an insight into the ancient crafts of quarrying and masonry in Malta.

Great care was taken to preserve the old and authentic, combining it with the comfort of modern amenities and the advantages of the latest technology.

The smooth walls of the quarry are an attraction in themselves and display the scars of years of labour and the various strata that make up the geology of the island.

They also serve as a backdrop for a whole series of outdoor displays that visitors can enjoy following wooden pathways.

Realistic dioramas recreate quarrying techniques while a selection of tools and machinery describe the industry`s progress to become one of Malta`s major industries.

A large area is reserved for the recreation of ancient building techniques which gave old Maltese buildings their irresistible character.

Other attractions are fossil remains from ancient seas including corals, seashells and shark teeth embedded in what was a sandy seabed. An orange grove graces one whole side of the site, reflecting the typical destiny of many quarries in Malta.

The Limestone Heritage Complex includes a spacious reception area and an auditorium, where visitors can enjoy in comfort a short documentary describing Malta`s heritage in stone and a number of interesting displays and exhibits.

There is a cafeteria with a view of the quarry and a souvenir shop. Special attractions include expert craftsmen working the stone in situ.

The Limestone Heritage is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and between 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

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