The megalithic temples of Malta : towards a re-evaluation of heritage

Abstract

This case study aims to: • Explore the impacts on local communities when inscribing sites on the World Heritage List • Highlight the conflicting views that may exist between heritage and tourism organizations • Discuss how WHS may be better managed and interpreted to accommodate the needs of local communities. The Republic of Malta comprises a small archipelago with a total land area of only 316 km2 located around 90 km south of Sicily. Largely due to its position in the central Mediterranean and to its fine natural harbours, through the ages Malta has been frequented, exploited or coveted by many major players in Mediterranean history. This rich history is reflected in three inscriptions in the World Heritage List. The present case study focuses on one of these inscriptions, the Megalithic Temples of Malta (Figure 19.1). The megalithic temples consist of a series of sophisticated megalithic buildings, which were built by the Neolithic inhabitants between 3600 and 2500 BC. These buildings are remarkably complex and accomplished in their execution, and have been described as the world's first stone temples (Renfrew 1973).