Hagar Qim from behind a fence

We read that the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples would be roofed soon to protect them against weathering. Hence, we made a point to "take a good look at them" before the project commences.

While parking our car at the car park of Hagar Qim, we met a few visitors who had just walked out. They warned us that visitors were not allowed to enter either temple due to fears of vandalism. They were also disappointed about having made the long trip from their hotels only to end up looking at the exteriors of both temples.

My husband and I were equally disappointed but at least we had been inside and had taken some photos on previous visits.

Without any doubt, one truly requires strong interest and imagination to visualise the interiors and details inside each different chamber with or without the narration of a guide. The captions with illustrations that were placed around the temples were mostly blurry or worn out and were not dependable for sufficient information.

A few coaches full of foreign students arrived and after being briefed by their group leaders, they agreed to view and take photos of both temples from behind the fence.

Being an admirer of the heritage sites of Malta, it is a heartache to see these national treasures being vandalised continuously over a period of time.

Our children and grand children and many generations to come deserve every right to see them and be proud of their existence, only if we help to conserve them.