Excellent canopies, horrid visitors' centre

The canopies over the prehistoric temples have now been installed, Some historians, archaeologists, tour guides and columnists initially expressed concern since they argued that the canopies would ruin the "mysterious atmosphere" of the temples and also the natural landscape. I too had criticised the project.

Recently, however, I changed my opinion when I had the opportunity to visit Mnajdra with some foreign friends. I must congratulate the authorities and Heritage Malta for a job well done. The canopies have actually added something that was missing before, namely bringing together the whole site and making the visit an experience to cherish. I was surprised by the positive effect that these canopies have now created.

However, I cannot say the same about the visitors' centre at Ħaġar Qim. This typical modern boxed Maltese structure lacks style and grace, and to me it is a monstrosity. It does not fit at all with the atmosphere, majesty, elegance, grace, flow of design of Ħaġar Qim.

When you look east from the temple, the centre blocks the natural flow of the surrounding landscape. One floor lower would have been better, and it would have been better still had the centre been built in the unused quarry nearby. Look how the authorities at Newgrange, Saqqara, and Stonehenge have incorporated the visitors' centres with the landscape. It is a pity we couldn't come up with something more imaginative.

My foreign friends were amazed that the centre was allowed to be built near the temple. Is this same design that is going to grace the other sites at Tarxien and Ġgantija? I ask.