Pietru Caxaru’s Cantilena, which forms part of the National Archives of Malta and is housed in the Archives of Notarial Registers, has been officially included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Minister for National Heritage Owen Bonnici, said that, “this is a tribute not only to the document itself but also to the Maltese language and the literary and cultural heritage of our country, as the Cantilena now joins an international list of documents of universal value to all humanity.”

This news came after a meticulous and technical process that began in November 2023, when the National Archives prepared and submitted the application through the Maltese National Commission for UNESCO. This process has been in the works for over a year and a half and reflects an immense dedication to preserving our heritage.

“I thank all the people who contributed to this initiative, from those who worked on the application to the professionals who with passion and expertise continue to safeguard this national treasure in the collection of the National Archives. This is a moment of honour and recognition that confirms the historical and linguistic value of the Kantilena, and strengthens the place of our Maltese language on an international level,” said the Minister.

The Kantilena is the oldest literary work in the Maltese language ever discovered and dates back to the late fifteenth century.

This beautiful poem was found by Fsadni and Wettinger back in 1966.

Photo: DOI

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