Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here

(Postponed to 12th February due to weather conditions)*

The usually closed site of San Pawl Milqi in Burmarrad will be opened to the public by Heritage Malta on Friday 10th February*, a public holiday commemorating St Paul’s shipwreck on the Maltese Islands.

On the day, the public may visit the site between 10.00am and 4.00pm, at the reduced admission fee of €3 for adults. Visitors will be able to help an archaeologist with the cleaning and sorting of pottery found on site. The re-enactment group Legio X Fretensis, which recreates Roman military and civilian scenes of the 1st century AD, will be exhibiting display items and interacting with the public.

On the eve of the public holiday, Thursday 9th February, mass will be celebrated in the site’s chapel at 6.00pm. Only the chapel will be open at that time.

According to traditional Pauline cult, it was at San Pawl Milqi that Publius, governor and first bishop of Malta, greeted the Apostle St Paul (hence the word ‘milqi’). However, there is no documented evidence that St Paul was ever at this place. The site has nonetheless attracted considerable interest from those who have the Pauline cult and tradition at heart.

Archaeologically, the site has significant value. Besides some ancient tombs, it contains extensive remains of a typical Roman villa that was occupied for at least six centuries – from the third century BC to the third century AD. The remains of several stone mechanisms related to olive pressing indicate the rural aspect of the villa, whereas traces of fine painted wall decorations bear witness to the area designated as the living quarters.

During the special opening of the San Pawl Milqi site, children and Heritage Malta members will be admitted free of charge. Tickets will only be available at the door and Heritage Malta passports cannot be used.

*(Postponed to 12th February due to weather conditions)

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