Architectural, Archaeological, Historical & Cultural Heritage And

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Architectural, Archaeological, Historical & Cultural Heritage And MT-IT JV 18, St. John Street, Fgura FGR 1447 Malta T: +356 21803374 E: [email protected] Architectural, Archaeological, Historical & Cultural Heritage and related Material Assets Archaeological and Cultural impact studies related to the Malta-Italy Gas pipeline interconnection Technical study AIS REF. NO: ENV332801/A/18 CLIENT REF. NO: CT3109/2018 FOURTH VERSION Publication Date 31 January 2020 This tender is being part-financed by the European Union under the Connecting European Facility (CEF) programme for 2014-2020 Co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union Archaeology & Cultural Heritage DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY Date Revision Comments Authors/Contributors 13/09/2019 1.0 First Draft Chris Dalton Prof Timmy Gambin AIS Environment 18/11/2019 2.0 Second Draft Chris Dalton Prof Timmy Gambin AIS Environment 21/01/2020 3.0 Third Draft Chris Dalton Prof Timmy Gambin AIS Environment 31/01/2020 4.0 Fourth Draft – approved for submission Chris Dalton Prof Timmy Gambin AIS Environment AMENDMENT RECORD Approval Level Name Signature Internal Check Sacha Dunlop Internal Approval Mario Schembri Page | i Archaeology & Cultural Heritage DISCLAIMER This report has been prepared by MT-IT- JV with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid. This report is for the exclusive use of the Ministry of Energy & Water; no warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from MT-IT JV. MT-IT JV disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the work. Page | ii Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Scheme ................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Scope of Document .................................................................................................... 9 2.0 Terms of Reference .............................................................................................. 10 3.0 Methodology........................................................................................................ 15 3.1 Area of Influence ...................................................................................................... 15 3.1.1 Offshore section ............................................................................................... 15 3.1.2 Onshore section ............................................................................................... 15 3.2 Literature review ...................................................................................................... 18 3.3 Offshore section ....................................................................................................... 18 3.3.1 Side Scan Sonar ................................................................................................ 18 3.3.2 Interpretation of Side Scan Sonar Imagery ...................................................... 19 3.3.3 Surveying Methodology ................................................................................... 20 3.4 Study method: Onshore section .............................................................................. 22 3.4.1 Field-walkover survey ...................................................................................... 22 4.0 Legislation and Statutory Protection ..................................................................... 24 4.1 Development Planning Act 2016 ............................................................................. 24 4.2 Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands 1990............................................................ 24 4.3 Legislation relating to cultural heritage ................................................................... 24 4.4 International Conventions ....................................................................................... 25 4.5 Local policy ............................................................................................................... 25 5.0 Baseline Survey .................................................................................................... 27 5.1 Desktop study .......................................................................................................... 27 5.1.1 Prehistory ......................................................................................................... 27 5.1.2 Antiquity ........................................................................................................... 28 5.1.3 Middle Ages ..................................................................................................... 29 5.1.4 Early Modern.................................................................................................... 30 5.1.5 Modern ............................................................................................................ 31 5.1.6 Disturbance Factors ......................................................................................... 32 5.1.7 Discoveries ....................................................................................................... 33 5.2 Field survey: Offshore section ................................................................................. 33 5.3 Field survey: Onshore section .................................................................................. 38 5.3.1 Photographic Register ...................................................................................... 40 5.3.2 Salt Pans ........................................................................................................... 53 Page | iii Archaeology & Cultural Heritage 5.3.3 Dry-Stone Walls................................................................................................ 55 6.0 Impact Assessment ............................................................................................... 57 7.0 Monitoring and Mitigation Measures .................................................................... 59 7.1 Construction Phase .................................................................................................. 59 7.2 Operational Phase .................................................................................................... 59 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 60 Page | iv Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Table of Figures Figure 1: Project schematic ............................................................................................... 3 Figure 2: Site plan showing the 22” offshore pipeline route ............................................... 4 Figure 3: Site plan for the proposed Malta terminal and land reclamation area ................. 5 Figure 4: Land reclamation at Delimara............................................................................. 6 Figure 4: Sections for the proposed Malta terminal ........................................................... 7 Figure 5: Profile for the onshore tunnel and shore approach ............................................. 8 Figure 6: Offshore corridor for the gas to the Malta-Sicily median line ............................. 16 Figure 7: Onshore study area including entry and exit points ........................................... 17 Figure 8: Transverse view of a towed side-scan sonar fish system (Source: Lazar et al, 2013) 18 Figure 9: An example of a mound of rocks on the seabed (Source: Lazar, et al, 2013) ....... 19 Figure 10: Metals reflecting acoustic pings from a plane wreckage (Source: McGowen & Morris, 2013) ................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 11: Tall shipwreck with a large echo shadow (Source Subzone OÜ, 2012) .............. 20 Figure 12: Nearshore survey area ................................................................................... 21 Figure 13: Location of photographic survey features ....................................................... 23 Figure 14: Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan policy map 1995 (Source; P.A Malta, Local plans) ... 26 Figure 15: Land bridge between Sicily and Malta (Source: Furlani, et al, 2013) ................. 28 Figure 16: Portolan depicts Malta and Sicily drawn on vellum (Source: Gambin, 2008) ..... 30 Figure 17: Aerial view of the Kalafrana base (Source: Malta War Diary, 2015) .................. 32 Figure 18: Targets of cultural heritage interest ................................................................ 35 Figure 19: SSS imagery of a wreck of an unknown age, T0003 .......................................... 35 Figure 20: SSS imagery of a potential dumping site, T0087 .............................................. 36 Figure 21: SSS imagery and ROV still of a World War II airplane, T0189. ........................... 36 Figure 22: SSS imagery of a World War II airplane, T0207. ............................................... 36 Page | v Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Figure 23: SSS imagery of a wreck of an unknown age, T0208. ........................................
Recommended publications
  • Malta and Gozo - Experiences of a Study Tour from 14Th to 21St September 2019 Text and Photos: Hans-Rudolf Neumann
    Malta and Gozo - Experiences of a study tour from 14th to 21st September 2019 Text and Photos: Hans-Rudolf Neumann Saturday, 14th September 2019 The morning flight from Berlin via Frankfurt Main to Malta with Lufthansa ran without any incidents. But check-in service in Berlin leaves a lot to be desired; the transition to digital full automation to reduce staff provoked the oppo- site effect. Luggage check-in and boarding on two different ends of the airport caused anno- yance, while during boarding two flights were serviced on the same counter. One two Warsaw and one to Frankfurt Main – the line on luggage security was more than 200 people and it was safe to ask the pilot again if this is the right plane when entering the plane. The on-board meal on the flight to Frankfurt consisted of a 30 g al- mond tartlet of a 65 mm size and a drink, on the connecting flight to Malta we had a honey nut bar and another drink. Regarding that you had to leave the house at 4.45 am and entered the hotel in Malta around 12.40 pm, it was a re- Fig. 01: First group photo on the first day of the ex- markable performance, particularly as there was cursion: an INTERFEST study group with their no time to buy additional food in Frankfurt due wives and guests at the foot of the St. Michael bas- to the short connection time. There were better tion of the landfront in La Valletta under the um- times! Anyways, the dinner together at Hotel brella of the European cultural route FORTE CUL- Bay View in Sliema offered a rich buffet inclu- TURA®.
    [Show full text]
  • Following Paul from Shipwreck on Malta to Martyrdom in Rome MALTA • SICILY • ITALY Led by Dr
    Following Paul from Shipwreck on Malta to Martyrdom in Rome MALTA • SICILY • ITALY Led by Dr. Carl Rasmussen MAY 11-22, 2021 organized by Following Paul from Shipwreck on Malta to Martyrdom in Rome / May 11-22, 2021 Malta Following Paul from Shipwreck on Malta to Martyrdom in Rome MAY 11-22, 2021 Fri 14 May Ferry to POZZALLO (SICILY) - SYRACUSE – Ferry to REGGIO CALABRIA Early check out, pick up our box breakfasts, meet the English-speaking assistant at our hotel and transfer to the port of Malta. 06:30am Take a ferry VR-100 from Malta to Pozzallo (Sicily) 08:15am Drive to Syracuse (where Paul stayed for three days, Acts 28.12). Meet our guide and visit the archeological park of Syracuse. Drive to Messina (approx. 165km) and take the ferry to Reggio Calabria on the Italian mainland (= Rhegium; Acts 28:13, where Paul stopped). Meet our guide and visit the Museum of Magna Grecia. Check-in to our hotel in Reggio Calabria. Dr. Carl and Mary Rasmussen Dinner at our hotel and overnight. Greetings! Mary and I are excited to invite you to join our handcrafted adult “study” trip entitled Following Paul from Shipwreck on Malta to Sat 15 May PAESTUM - to POMPEII Martyrdom in Rome. We begin our tour on Malta where we will explore the Breakfast and checkout. Drive to Paestum (435km). Visit the archeological bays where the shipwreck of Paul may have occurred as well as the Island of area and the museum of Paestum. Paestum was a major ancient Greek city Malta. Mark Gatt, who discovered an anchor that may have been jettisoned on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia (southern Italy).
    [Show full text]
  • Fortress Study Group
    FORTRESS STUDY GROUP STUDY TOUR to MALTA PROPOSED TIMETABLE (V.2) 2nd to 10th May 2017 Inclusive Daily routine. It is proposed to leave the hotel daily at 0800 hours to take advantage of the cooler morning. Dawn is about 0600 hours and dusk at 1800 hours. Return to the hotel by 1800 hours or so with Dinner at 1930 hours. Pack lunches to be provided by the hotel. Ensure you keep hydrated. 2nd May Tuesday PM: Harbour Cruise Approximately 1500 hours dedicated boat tour around the Grand and Marsamxett Harbours. The objective will to be a view of all the defences from the sea. Approximately 4 hours. Arranged by Hera Cruises, depart from near the hotel. 3rd May Wednesday Day 1 – Valetta 0800 hours Bus from Hotel to Valetta. 0900 hours alight Kings Gate and then walk to the Interpretation Centre. Half Hour to walk around the Interpretation Centre then presentation from Stephen Spiteri on the adaption of Fort Tigne and Fort Manouel to British use. Walk the walls to Fort St Elmo. 1300 to 1500 hours Fort St Elmo. Visit Museum, Upper and Lower Fort, and adjacent areas. 1500 to 1530 hours Visit to Boom Defence and walk around outside of St Elmo. 1530 to 1700 hours walk back to Kings Gate for bus and return to Hotel. 4th May Thursday Day 2 – Lascarris & Pembroke 0800 hours Bus from Hotel to Valetta 0900 hours alight near to St James Counterguard and walk to Barrakka Gardens. Visit to the Cold War Control Room and WW2 area in Lascarris. Also visit to the Victorian gun casemates covering the harbor (we are not sure what remains of the racers etc if anything?).
    [Show full text]
  • Landscape Assessment of the Maltese Islands Landscape
    REVIEW OF THE STRUCTURE PLAN FOR THE MALTESE ISLANDS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS LANDSCAPE 2 LANDSCAPE TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 1.2 THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 1.3 THE MALTESE CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 2 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER .............................................................................................................................. 13 2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 2.2 PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS OF THE MALTESE LANDSCAPE............................................................................................................................. 15 2.3 ANTHROPOGENIC AGENTS..............................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Calendar of Events 2020
    www.exclusivevenues.org Calendar of Events 150 EVENTS 50 VENUES 5 COUNTRIES 1 YEAR Foreword he famous saying by William Cowper “variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour” comes to mind after one glance at Heritage T Malta’s calendar of events for 2020. The events scheduled for this year are well diverse in flavour and set to please all, no matter the taste. As in recent years, Heritage Malta has once again laid down a number of events and activities all diverse and yet all thought to generate interest and nurture knowledge with regard to the rich heritage in the Agency’s care. From workshops to lectures and thematic events, and from open days to re-enactments and curator’s tours, the complete array enclosed in this calendar bears witness to the Agency’s commitment in making our patrimony accessible to all in a truly edutaining way. The variety enclosed in this calendar or programme lies also in the diversity of the museums and sites in which the events are being organised. Whether a national museum, a conservation laboratory, a dominating fort, a labyrinthine catacomb or a world heritage temple, each and every location serves as the perfect backdrop to the particular event, but most of all is in itself an important ingredient in making the same event unique. This calendar of events is indeed the key to a treasure chest, a chest full to the brim and overflowing with interesting facts and above all intriguing knowledge waiting for visitors to open and explore.
    [Show full text]
  • Br'i1tish Forhfica'tiana!Nd De'fence of Lmo:I'ta 1800-1960
    4 A. SAMUT-T,A;GLIAFERRO Br'i1tish ForHfica'tiana!nd De'fence of lMo:I'ta 1800-1960 I 1800 - 1815 Justifiably, when the British first came to MClIlta, they were overawed by the massiveness of our fortitfioa:tions. Un11rke ,the Knights, however, they did not aIllow themselves to be deluded [nto a state of fallse securdJty by rthe con­ spicuously deterrent though dnanJimate presence of those mighty c'Omplexes otf defence works which practically sur­ round the whole of the Ma1tese coast. WhaJt chiefliy over­ awed the B:rIi.ti:sh commanders and mi!lJJtaxy engineers were t!heenormous problems attending the structural rest'Oration and remode1ldiIlg 'Of those defence works and, above aJIl, their re-a:n:imation w1th operati'Onally trairned gunners and up~to-date armament. Thorough-going pr'Ofess~onalh:; as they were, they knew full weLl that the mere overinsurarnce with formidable stone fortificati'Ons, as an end m futseli, can never constitute a credible, Jet Mone impregnable, defence of an island-fortress! From the exceHenrt per,i'Odlic rep'Orts, staff papers and other seemJiIlgly ,inexhaustible corresP'Ondence relating t'O the garrison of Ma:lta from 1800 onwards, preserved at the PuMic Record 'Office tin Lond'On and to a much Jesser ex­ tent at Reg:iment:aJ. Museums such as th'Ose 'Of the RoyaJ Ar­ tiJIlery and R'Oyal Engineers, we can foHow the development oIf the vast and costly rearmament pr'Ogrammes, the pr'O­ gress1ve bud[d up of new f'Orb1fioati'Ons and the continuous fl'OW of essentilClil administrative backling and highly trajl11ed manpower, which, iIn c'Ombinati'On, transformed the ailIling ARCHIVUM, JOURNAL OF MALTESE HISTORICAL RESEARCH No.
    [Show full text]
  • The American University of Malta
    THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF MALTA PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SITES EVALUATION REPORT August 2015 1 DRAFT Table of Contents 1. Scope of the Report 2. Site assessment criteria 3. Initial assessment 4. Evaluation of shortlisted sites 5. Conclusion and Recommendation Annex I Local Plan Maps Annex II Sites forwarded by the Government Property Division Annex III Sites identified through the online public consultation exercise 2 DRAFT 1.0 Scope of the Report 1.1 This report has been prepared at the request of the Chief Executive Officer and is aimed at providing a preliminary recommendation on the suitability or otherwise of a number of sites presented for assessment for the development of a campus for the American University of Malta to accommodate around 4,000 students. It is a continuation of the first assessment undertaken in November 2014 and the conclusion of the first report, that the area around Zonqor Point merits further consideration whilst Fort San Leonardo and its surrounding area are not suitable as an individual stand-alone site for the proposed development of the American University of Malta, is still valid for the reasons already explained in the first report. 1.2 This exercise is being undertaken as a preliminary step to focus on suitable sites that are available and may accommodate the proposed development. It has a strategic scope aimed at identifying which of the sites, on the basis of a set of evaluation criteria and available information, merit further consideration and which can be discarded, even at this early stage. 1.3 This report is based on a study of existing data available at MEPA on the environmental and cultural value of the alternative sites and other sources as deemed appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • COMINO Aħrax Point Madliena Tower White Tower Golden Bay BURMARRAD White Tower Bay PEMBROKE Armier Bay Għajn TuEħa Bay ĊIRKEWWA BIDNIJA GĦARGĦUR Madliena Battery St
    Wied il-Għasri Xwejni Bay San Dimitri Qbajjar Point Gordan Bay Lighthouse Salt Pans Marsalforn Bay ŻEBBUĠ Ta’ Pinu GĦASRI MARSALFORN Basilica Calypso’s Cave Ramla Bay GĦARB XAGĦRA Azure Inland San Blas Window Sea Bay SAN LAWRENZ Daħlet Qorrot Bay Ċittadella Ta’ Kola Dwejra Windmill Ġgantija Fungus Bay KERĊEM Temples Rock NADUR Craig Sports Qala Windmill VICTORIA Hospital FONTANA (RABAT) Ground Wardija QALA Point XEWKIJA Kenuna Tower XLENDI Qala Battery Qala Point Xlendi Bay MUNXAR GĦAJNSIELEM Ħondoq Heliport Ir-Rummien SANNAT MĠARR (HARBOUR) Wied il-Għasri Xwejni Fort Chambray San Niklaw Santa Marija Bay Ta’ Ċenċ Bay Bay San Dimitri Qbajjar Mġarr Ix-Xini MALTA Point Gordan Bay Blue Lagoon Lighthouse Salt Pans Marsalforn G Santa Marija Bay oz Battery ŻEBBUĠ GOZO o F Ta’ Pinu GĦASRI MARSALFORN er Santa Marija Basilica r Tower Calypso’s Cave y Line Aħrax Point GĦARB Ramla Bay Azure XAGĦRA White Tower Bay White Tower Inland San Blas Window Sea Bay Armier Bay SAN LAWRENZ Daħlet Qorrot ĊIRKEWWA Bay Ferretti Battery Ċittadella Ta’ Kola Dwejra Windmill Ġgantija Fungus Temples Paradise Bay Bay KERĊEM Wied Musa Battery Rock NADUR Craig Sports Qala Windmill VICTORIA Hospital FONTANA (RABAT) Ground Red Tower Wardija QALA Point XEWKIJA Kenuna Tower Għadira XLENDI Qala Battery Mellieħa Bay Qala Point Nature Imġiebaħ Bay St. Paul’s Xlendi Reserve Islands Bay MUNXAR GĦAJNSIELEM Ħondoq Westreme Għajn Ħadid Heliport Ir-Rummien Battery Tower Qawra Point SANNAT MĠARR Anchor Bay MELLIEĦA (HARBOUR) Qawra Tower Mistra Bay Fort Chambray San Niklaw Santa Marija Ta’ Ċenċ Bay Bay QAWRA Salina Għallis Rocks Mġarr Ix-Xini ST.
    [Show full text]
  • WP3 D9 3.1 Thematic Itineraries Brochure
    THEMATIC ITINERARIES - VALLETTA, MALTA MALTA The Island THEMATIC ITINERARIES EXPLORED IN MALTA Behind the Myths N°1 Discovering the Malta Story under the Plangent Rain N°2 In memoriam of Simshar N°3 Valletta in the II World War: Malta’s story & best kept war secrets N°4 Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park - UNESCO world Heritage site 45 FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES Christina Guan www.happytowander.com elegant church domes and spires piercing its skyline, richly This massive fort has several rooms that reflect its crucial role embellished palazzos and towering townhouses with bright in the Maltese history. Beneath the fort lies a prison which was green wooden balconies. greatly feared and housed many high-ranking offenders within the order. In 1609 the famous painter Caravaggio was MALTA imprisoned at St Angelo after found guilty of injuring a knight Locations from the following films are included in this itinerary: during a quarrel. - Plangent Rain (2008) Speaking of knights, it is mandatory to bring into the The Island - Malta Story (1953) discussion some of the history of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Mata. The order was Behind the Myths constituted around 1085, to look after the sick in Jerusalem, Malta’s Seaside, under the Plangent Rain and it wasn’t until the crusades that they started to be a This route is dedicated to the short film Plangent Rain (watch military corps. The knights settled in Malta in 1530 (after here). Through an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy leaving Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Cyprus), thanks to the mercy Hamlet, Plangent Rain comprises the essence of the island in of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who gave them the Malta’s origins as mythical land, therefore, come from afar.
    [Show full text]
  • National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands
    National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands NICPMI Inv. No. 00022 Date of Publication 16 December 2011 Property Name Fort San Luċjan Address Triq il-Qajjenza Town Name Marsaxlokk Toponym Tad-Debbra Local Council Marsaxlokk Property Owner Unknown Managing Body Malta Centre For Fisheries Sciences (MRRA) Guardianship Deed No Period Modern (16th to 20th Century AD) Phase Early Modern: Knights of St John (1530-1798) Historical Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage Property Value High Type & Value Assessment Property Function Fortification Conservation Area N/A Outline Description The second largest coastal tower in the Maltese Islands. Property Description Fort San Lucian is a fortification on the headland between Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga bays. Fort St Lucian was initially built by the Knights of Malta between 1610 and 1611 and is one of a series of Wignacourt towers. By the 1715-16 the fort was fitted with a semicircular battery and later in 1795 both the fort and the battery were enclosed by a ditch and renamed Fort Rohan after Grandmaster Emanuel de Rohan. During the French occupation, the British used the tower as their main supply base and as fallback position in case they were attached by the French army. Under the British the original tower was kept to form the core of a Victorian era fortress. In fact in 1874 the fort was substantially modified and enlarged to house guns on disappearing carriages. However by 1885 the fort was decommissioned since it was considered as obsolete for military purposes. San Lucian forms part of a ring of fortresses that protected Marsaxlokk bay and which included other fortresses such as Fort Delimara, Fort Tas-Silg and Fort Benghisa.
    [Show full text]
  • Image: Blue Grotto
    Image: Blue Grotto - Żurrieq - Malta Main Image: The Valletta Waterfront 2 he Maltese Islands made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino lie at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea just 93 km South of Sicily. TThis strategic geographical position has translated itself into 7,000 years of a very rich and colourful history. Most of the world’s greatest civilisations that shaped world history have passed through or settled on the Islands for a spell, and the country’s culture and heritage bear witness to this in every way. The native language, which is Maltese, is of Semitic origin, whilst the grammar stems from Latin and Italian and English words are laced through it. Even the people reflect this melting pot of cultures in the myriad of complexions to be seen. The Maltese Islands boast one of the highest concentrations of historic and cultural heritage per km2 in the world. Luckily the Islands are compact enough to offer the convenience of everything being within easy reach enabling you to make the most of your stay. 3 History & Culture Main image: St. John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta 4 000 years of history are quite literally etched in stone, from the ancient Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, to the unique 7underground temple and burial grounds of the Hypogeum. In addition, the many beautiful architectural monuments; the legacy of various schools of architecture bear witness to this, examples of these gems may be seen in the old village cores and in the form of palaces and churches around the islands. St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s monuments.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2019
    ANNUAL REPORT 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword 1 Capital Works 2 Exhibitions and Events 13 Collections and Research 17 Conservation 48 Education, Publications and Outreach 56 Other Corporate 60 Visitor Statistics 66 Appendix 1 – Calendar of Events 103 Appendix 2 – Purchase of Modern and Contemporary Artworks 126 Appendix 3 – Acquisition of Natural History Specimens 127 Appendix 4 – Purchase of Items for Gozo Museum 128 Appendix 5 – Acquisition of Cultural Heritage Items 129 Foreword The year of 2019 was quite challenging for Heritage Malta. Although the Agency continued to strive to achieve satisfactory results in the number of visitors and generation of revenue it closed its books with a deficit. Besides organising several popular exhibitions and participated in important exhibitions abroad it continued to invest more in the sites under its management. During the year under review it also increased the number of staff employed not only to improve its operations but also to increase the resources needed for the vast number of cultural activities, projects and work carried out throughout the year. The Agency finances its operations through revenues, mainly from admission fees to museums and sites, and also from a Government subvention. The net revenue generated from admission fees by the Agency in 2019 reached €8,657,464 (2018: €8,957,154). A government subvention of €5,199,998 (2018: €5,049,996) was received during the year to meet the Agency's administrative expenditure for the financial year ended 31 December 2019. Furthermore, an amount of €253,836 (2018: €213,869) is paid to Government as rent on various sites and premises occupied by Heritage Malta.
    [Show full text]