Setting up a cultural centre dealing with Malta's most precious mineral, the honey-coloured limestone and how it is worked, has always been a dream for Manuel Baldacchino and his family. This became a reality a year ago, when a family quarry was transformed into such a centre.

It was launched and inaugurated on May 5, 2002 by Dr Louis Galea, Minister of Education and Culture. Since then, it has been visited by various distinguished personalities, including Prime Minister Dr Eddie Fenech Adami and other cabinet members, who took a great interest in this centre.

The Limestone Heritage is much more than a museum in the traditional sense. It is a unique and original learning centre, aimed at explaining the trade and technological achievements of quarrymen in Malta, ranging from prehistoric times up to the present day.

Just outside Siggiewi and set within the impressive walls of a disused open pit quarry and spreading over .33 hectares, the Limestone Heritage reaches back into history, tracing the islands' geological birth and formation and the eventual rise of a great civilisation that has given to the world the very first free-standing structures in stone.

The Limestone Heritage is not merely visited but experienced. The experience starts with a multi-lingual audiovisual presentation about the Maltese limestone and its uses throughout the island's history. Next, the visitor has the opportunity of literally walking through and experiencing history in a place where fossil remains are still embedded in what was once a sandy seabed. A main entrance of a megalithic temple has been recreated in a large area. Here, some ideas of prehistoric construction and techniques are exhibited.

All the charming features that give old Maltese farmhouses such an irresistible character are carefully brought together and gracefully displayed. There are also displays of traditional tools, minerals, fossils and other rare and original artifacts.

The Limestone Heritage has also served as an ideal place for presenting and promoting Maltese culture. Events included "Limestone Heritage Week 2002", held last November. This was set up in collaboration with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and inaugurated by President de Marco. One of the aims was to conserve the rubble walls at is-Salib Tal-Gholja, where around 90 metres of rubble walls were rebuilt.

This was a very successful event which gave Malta good coverage in foreign newspapers and magazines. It is also an event which the Lime-stone Heritage plans to hold annually. Another cultural activity was the launching of the book Siggiewi, a profile of history, social life and traditions. Last January, the Limestone Heritage was also chosen as a venue for the presentation of the Industrial Environmental awards.

The Limestone Heritage, which is a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), is a museum in the making. A new section was opened last April, dealing with the prehistoric period of Malta. A new brochure has also been launched in co-operation with Peter Donath. A Maltese heritage mascot and a heritage board-game for children were also launched.

Thus, the Limestone Heritage is a dynamic cultural centre, constantly evolving and catering for children and adults alike. In a very short time, the Limestone Heritage has become a prestigious cultural and tourist attraction. Its appeal is also confirmed by the number of foreign journalists and television crews who have visited the complex, with articles appearing on major newspapers and periodicals in Germany, Britain and the US, and features on Italian, British, Polish and Czech television stations. It is a place where leisure, culture, history and education are merged together to offer you a unique experience.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.