The unique Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum will come under a new environmental management system that will preserve it for the long term.
The Unesco World Heritage Site, managed by Heritage Malta, is to be supported by a grant of €748,425 from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area Grants 2009-2014.
A Unesco World Heritage Site is both a privilege and a responsibility
The site, an underground prehistoric cemetery used from around 4000BC to 2500BC, consists of halls, chambers and passages hewn out of globigerina limestone.
Its microclimate is carefully regulated – temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels need to be constantly monitored to ensure the site’s survival.
But the current environmental management system, which was first installed in the 1990s, has now become outdated. Technological advances and improved understanding of the challenges faced have prompted the need for a review and redesign. The project will assess the site’s condition and map out all the biological organisms growing on the walls.
Harmful materials and residues will be eliminated, coupled with the investigation and replacement (where necessary) of the old water mains and sewers. The building enveloping the Hypogeum will also be better insulated, allowing the site to “take care of itself”, rather than relying solely on the specialised system of air conditioning.
Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Ian Borg said structural funds did not always cater for such one-off interventions, which was why donors such as the EEA Grants were so important.
Culture Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera described the Hypogeum as “one of the most important sites in Malta”.
He added that a Unesco World Heritage Site was both a privilege and a responsibility. A study was currently under way, he continued, to designate new sites to be included in the World Heritage list, such as Mdina.
Studies are also conducted for the possible inclusion of non-tangible assets such as the Maltese language and għana.
On Paola Day on July 19, Paola residents will have free access to the Hypogeum’s exhibition area.
Why is the Hypogeum such a delicate site?
Since it is a closed site, it is subject to high temperatures and high levels of humidity.
The site needs to be kept at a stabilised temperature of between 12°C and 19°C, while humidity levels should hover at 80 per cent.
Excess heat and humidity fuel certain acidic biological organisms which eat away at the rock and, particularly, at the rare red ochre paintings in the Oracle Room.
High humidity levels also cause more condensation, which make the surface of the stone crumble away.
The air from outside is conditioned in three different areas (the entrance, ticket area and the exhibition area) so that the chambers themselves are regulated.
The lighting is programmed and ‘moves’ along with the visitor. Only 80 people are allowed in per day.