Custom-made walkway being built at Tarxien temples

Tarxien Temples will be closed to the public between August 29 and September 2 and on September 5.

The temples will also be partially closed between Monday and August 28, on September 3 and 4 and between September 6 and 15, Heritage Malta said.

It said in a statement that the temples are being closed so that works on a custom-made walkway could commence.

On these dates, admission fees to the Megalithic structure shall be reduced to €3 (adult), €2 (youth under 17, student, senior citizens), €1.50 (children 6-11yrs), while those aged five or under will enter for free.

The extended walkway aims to improve accessibility and interpretation whilst protecting original surfaces from damage caused by use, such as footfall, whilst at the same time providing an improved and safer experience for the visitor.

In the coming months, this first part of the walkway will be complemented by a second walkway, this time circling the Temple structures at an elevated height, as well as new information panels and resources, to enable visitors to see and understand better this World Heritage Site.

Heritage Malta's Tarxien Temples are currently undergoing an embellishment and conservation project under a €9.2 million Archaeological Heritage Conservation Project, 85 per cent of which are financed through the European Regional Funds.

This project will include works on the Tarxien Temples, Ġgantija Archeological Park and St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat.

The Tarxien Temples project envisages specialised studies including archaeological excavations, a hydrological survey, 3D documentation and a Limits of Acceptable Change study.

A new environmental monitoring system and a protective shelter for the structures' long-term protection from deterioration caused by the elements will also be installed.