Preliminary report on the relationship between climate and conservation within the Hal-Saflieni hypogeum in Malta

Abstract

The Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta is a prehistoric underground temple, dating to the fourth millennium BC It is a unique monument, carved out of the local limestone on three different levels. The lowest point is situated 10.6 m below ground level. This monument has elaborately carved architectural features in some chambers, which imitate very closely the megalithic architecture of the temples of the same period situated above the ground. Prehistoric decorations in red ochre consisting of elaborate spirals and hexagons, as well as simpler designs of discs and bands are present in other chambers. The site was discovered in 1902 (Zammit, 1910) during the construction of houses. This unfortunately brought about a great deal of disturbance to the upper level of the Hypogeum ; here the foundations of the modern houses were actually built into the upper chambers of the site. These houses are now in the process of being demolished and the modern foundations removed so as to restore the original form of the area. The site was opened to the public in 1908, and is now very popular with visitors, who average 65 000 persons per year.