Ta’ Bistra Catacombs

Located half way between the ancient town of Melite and the once-important harbour of Salina, Ta’ Bistra Catacombs are, so far, the largest set of tombs and catacombs beyond the confines of the ancient city of the island. They were first recorded in the late 1800s but were only investigated in 1933 by Captain Charles Zammit, before part of the site was covered over by a new road leading down to Burmarrad. Further studies in 2004, 2013, and 2014, have brought the site back to life with new discoveries and hence, new interpretations. The site was part of three EU-funded projects: 1. The Cultexchange Project (co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Italia-Malta Interreg III) saw the main alterations and structural works on the farmhouse that is located above a section of the catacombs, to turn it into a small visitor orientation centre. 2. The Archaeotur Project (co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Italia-Malta Interreg IV) involved the integrated management