Vandals raid Rabat catacombs

Vandals broke their way into the Abbatija tad-Dejr catacombs and sprayed black graffitti, Heritage Malta said.

Luckily, the graffiti were sprayed on concrete bricks forming part of the access gate and not on the archaeological site itself, so it sustained little damage.

Heritage Malta, which together with Din l-Art Helwa strongly condemned the attack, said the break-in was discovered by Heritage Malta conservation scientists who were working on a conservation mapping process of the catacombs.

The police are investigating.

Conservation works are underway at the archaeological site as part of a collaboration agreement signed between Heritage Malta and Din l-Art Helwa which is trying to rehabilitate the catacombs and make them accessible to the public.

Heritage Malta said the vandals gained access by removing some bricks from the right side of the entrance gate. Black spray paint was directed on the bricks.

Balloons, tape and other debris, including the spray can that was used, were left on the ground.

The usually locked gate was found open with the padlock missing. Chocolates still in their original clean wrappers were also found on the ground.

Heritage Malta personnel immediately informed the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and the Rabat local council.

Plans are underway by Heritage Malta, Din l-Art Helwa and the Rabat local council to step up security at the site.