Heritage Malta has launched the first publication on Ggantija Temples, with a view to further promote the world heritage this country has to offer.

The book was launched in Gozo at the Ggantija Archaeological Park. This latest publication by Heritage Malta holistically incorporates various aspects of this world heritage site.

Copies of the book entitled ‘Ggantija, the oldest free-standing building in the world,’ were presented to the Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo and the Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government José Herrera.

The Parliamentary Secretary stressed how this Government “is seriously committed to work and further promote the field of culture.” For his part the Minister for Gozo thanked Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera for the continuous support offered to strengthen Gozo’s cultural identity.

The 208 page high-end coffee table publication features a number of articles as well as over 400 exclusive photos by acclaimed photographer Daniel Cilia, who was also entrusted with the design.

The hardbound, full-colour publication is printed on high-quality paper. It is edited by Godwin Vella and includes the articles “Ggantija, a century of changing perceptions” by Daphne Marie Caruana, “Folklore, early attributions and scientific valorization” by the same Godwin Vella, “Ggantija Temples in print” by John Cremona, “Brocktorff’s Archaeological Watercolours” and ” The Prehistory” by David Trump and “Life and Death on the Xaghra Plateau” by Isabelle Vella Gregory.”

The CEO of Heritage Malta, Kenneth Gambin, Xaghra Mayor Joe Cordina, and Malta’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Mgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci, were also at the presentation.

The Ambassador said that talks are underway with the Director General of UNESCO to visit this world heritage site. He added that as Ambassador he is working towards other Maltese sites being recognised by UNESCO as world heritage.

This month, the Ggantija Heritage Park Project, which includes both the landscaping of the surroundings of the temple, as well as the creation of an interpretation centre, was the winner of the ninth edition of Din L-Art Helwa ‘Architectural Heritage Award.’

The prize was awarded to the architects of the project, Design and Technical Resources.

This year also marks the tenth anniversary of Heritage Malta.

For further information regarding the Ggantija publication, priced at €50, please send an email to info@heritagemalta.org or call on 23954300.

Top photograph by Daniel Cilia: Ggantija Temples World Heritage Site.

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