The Tarxien temples will be covered by a tent structure for protection in a project part financed by the EU that will cost some €2 million.

The project will also include an elevated walkway that would give visitors a bird’s eye view of the temple.

During a tour of the temples with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and his wife Kate, Heritage Malta chairman Joe Said said this project was of a higher priority than the construction of an interpretation centre at the same site, announced several years ago.

Studies were currently underway, he added, to solve the flooding problems that hounded the temple each time it rained.

The first megalithic structure at the site was built around 3,600 BC and it originally consisted of five semi-circular rooms, or apses.

Subsequently, more structures were added and the central temple, which was the last to be constructed, had the most complex plan, being divided into six apses.

The Tarxien works are part of a wider project to upgrade the temples and historic sites, including the building of an interpretation centre at Ggantija.

The Tarxien temples are visited by around 100,000 people a year.

Dr Gonzi was accompanied by Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.