One of the country’s most important cultural and historical monuments is set for an upgrade as the first phase of an extensive multimedia project is unveiled at the Mdina Cathedral, Museum and Archives.

The Mdina Metropolitan Chapter yesterday announced the launch of three new websites intended to preserve the rich heritage of the three related entities while making them more accessible to modern audiences.

The Cathedral Archives have been fully indexed as a resource for academics and researchers and will be directly accessible through the archives’ website.

“As the cathedral is a major tourist attraction, we have long felt the need to have more information online to entice visitors and improve their experience,” curator Fr Edgar Vella said. “This project also allows us to place the museum and the archives on the platform they deserve.”

Project designer Tony Cassar, from Cyberspace Solutions, said that the new websites included drone footage, virtual tours and 3D maps as part of an effort to incorporate the latest technology into the visitor experience.

The museum website contains highlights from its extensive collection, which includes a number of prints by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, Mattia Preti and Francesco Zahra together with a large collection of coins and silver as well as the famous Polypthic of St Paul, accompanied by detailed information.

The Cathedral Archives have also been fully indexed as a resource for academics and researchers and will be directly accessible through the website.

Following the launch of the new websites, later stages of the ambitious project will see the modernisation of the actual physical space, including new audio guides and interactive equipment to help visitors, students and researchers make the most of their tour.