The other day, I was running a few errands around Siġġiewi in the vicinity of Laferla Cross, Is-Salib tal-Għolja. I must admit I was mesmerised by the tranquillity of the place and was tempted to put off my errands in preference of a ramble in the enchanting whereabouts.

Soon enough my walk brought me to the foot of Fuqqanija hill, its top crowned by the above-mentioned cross as well as by the picturesque chapel dedicated to the Annunciation. The winding path beckoned me and I willingly obliged. Despite the steep, tortuous climb, I determinedly trudged on, knowing full well that each step would be rewarded by a charming scene, characterised by small terraced fields, crisscrossed by rubble walls and enhanced by interspersed patches of colourful clover, cape sorrel and sparse carob trees. Indeed, the scene that kept unfolding was breathtaking and I was filled with so much solace and peace.

All the time I was looking forward to reaching the chapel, the cherry on the cake, I thought, which, somehow, mitigated the uphill effort.

When I arrived at the top I was somewhat taken aback by the poor state of the chapel as well as the shoddy look of the whole place. Apart from the broken stone staircase which takes you up to the small parvis, and which seems to have been hurriedly replaced by a wooden one, the chapel itself looks rather neglected. At least, that is what the fissures running up and down its walls seem to communicate to the random walker.

I am not pointing a finger at anyone, nor am I taking to task anybody in particular. This is just an eye-opener and it is intended to bring the matter to the attention of those who are responsible for the upkeep of our national heritage. Our country is studded with an unbelievable array of historical structures. Indeed, we are blessed by such an overflowing wealth of cultural heritage that it is no easy matter for anyone to keep it shipshape. Hopefully, the funds being allotted by the European Union for the preservation of these places keep on increasing.

I also hope lovers of our national heritage walk with their eyes open and make a note of other places that deserve the attention and care of the authorities concerned. It is the least we citizens can do to safeguard what we ourselves have inherited.