Ramblers to visit bronze age village

The Ramblers' Association of Malta will hold a walk tomorrow that promises plenty of scenery, history and archaeology besides the usual camaraderie.

The walk starts at the Bahrija square at 9.30 a.m. The ramblers will trod along Wied Rini to Mtahleb church, past the Roman quarry and Tal-Merhla and on to the road above the cliffs of Bahrija, from where the spectacular views of the underlying rugged west coast of Malta can be taken in.

Some history will be recounted on the way as interesting features, like the Roman quarry and the numerous cave dwellings, will be seen en route.

The climax of the visit will be the Bronze Age village at Il-Qlejgha, an archaeological rarity. Anthony Bonanno will explain the perceived outlay of the prehistoric village with its various traces and artefacts such as silos and dwellings.

Little is known about this period of prehistory that immediately followed the period of the megalithic temples. Comparatively speaking, the latter period left a wealth of artefacts and remains besides the majestic temples themselves, while the Bronze Age has left very few traces by way of pottery and bronze implements.

The Ramblers' Association has more walks planned for January and February, all of which start at 9.30 a.m.:

January 28: Has-Saptan (meeting place Ghaxaq parish church);

February 12: Mistra to Mgiebah (Selmun Palace);

February 26: Kuncizzjoni (Kuncizzjoni church).