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One of Malta’s greatest natural resources is the distinctive limestone out of which the vast majority of its buildings are constructed. The honeycomb colour of the stones tint Maltese structures with their unique shades of yellow that change subtly according to the time of day and the force of the sunlight. Malta’s very first Megalithic temples, the imposing fortresses built by the Knights of St John, the towering village churches, and the modern-day five-star resorts are all built from limestone extracted from Maltese quarries.
If you would like to learn more about Maltese limestone and Malta’s architectural history, there is no better place to start than at the Limestone Heritage. This place is particularly useful if you’re feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer volume of noteworthy buildings and don’t know where to start, as the Limestone Heritage provides a comprehensive background for many of Malta’s finest structural attractions, such as the Silent City of Mdina, the Mosta Dome, or the many prehistoric temples that dot the archipelago.
Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Siggiewi, the Limestone Heritage is an impressive exhibition built within a disused quarry. There you’ll glimpse into 5,000 years of history, starting with Malta’s earliest freestanding structures that predate the pyramids of Giza as well as Stonehenge. A walk-through tour on what used to be the seabed 20 million years ago will display fossils still embedded within the rock and antique quarrying methods, including vintage vehicles and machinery as well as rare and original artefacts. Apart from the open-air displays, visitors can also witness exquisite stonework being created in the adjoining indoor complex. The permanent exhibition is accompanied by an ongoing programme of temporary exhibits.
The Limestone Heritage has easy access for people with special needs and also features a cafeteria and a gift shop. You can get more information about Limestone Heritage at www.limestoneheritage.com
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