Malta’s got plenty of underground wonders to treat history-lovers to – but no matter how educational, inspirational, and downright interesting these sites might be, there’s no denying that human interference isn’t exactly good for them…

…that’s why, for preservation purposes, some beautiful historic sites have either limited the number of visitors allowed in or downright closed their doors to the general public.

But this month, we’ll be getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit not one, but two of these sites – and at a really good price!

Credit: Heritage Malta

In celebration of European Heritage Days, Heritage Malta has announced an exciting programme of events to take place between 1st and 3rd October.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated events will be taking place on Saturday 2nd October, when Heritage Malta will be opening Rabat’s St Augustine’s Catacombs and Abbatija tad-Dejr to the general public for the first time in a while!

Both of these sites offer a mine of information about the Punic-Roman period and some of the earliest Christian communities to inhabit our islands.

Credit: Heritage Malta

Words can’t possibly do these spots justice, so if you’re curious to learn more about them, we highly suggest checking them out yourself.

Tickets will be sold at the door at a reduced price of €3 and will include joint access to both sites; Heritage Malta members get to enter for free.

The two sites will be open from 10:00am to 4:30pm – so don’t leave it to the last minute!

Want to try something different?

Well, you’re in luck, because Heritage Malta has plenty other events scheduled for that weekend.

Credit: Heritage Malta

On 1st October, the organisation will be collaborating with the Mgarr Local Council to organise an event for senior citizens at Ta’ Hagrat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participants will get to choose between an 8:30am or 9:00am slot, which include a guided tour of the site and a discussion with the site’s curator about the Neolithic period and the Ta’ Hagrat excavation.

Participation is free of charge, but pre-booking at the Mgarr Local Council is required.

But that’s not all! On 2nd October, youngsters aged between eight and 14 are invited to visit the Ggantija Megalithic Temples in Gozo for a workshop entitled ‘Pigment and Patterns: Artistic Creativity in Prehistory’.

Credit: Heritage Malta

Participants will first be guided through the temples then led to the Children’s Area, where artist Victor Agius will explain prehistoric art and even offer a hands-on art session.

Once again, admission to the event is free, however prior reservation is required on shop.heritagemalta.org or from all of the organisation’s museums and sites.

The final event of the weekend will see Heritage Malta opening the doors of its conservation labs in Bighi, Kalkara, to the general public.

Credit: Heritage Malta

This event’s perfect for families looking to spend some quality time together whilst learning about the important of restoration and conservation. The labs will be open from 10:00am until 3:00pm and entrance is free of charge.

Which event will you be attending?