Heritage features prominently in most of the strategic objectives of the National Cultural Policy 2021 (NCP 2021), namely governance, access, professional develop in relation to the cultural and creative sectors (CCS), and efforts towards the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, within a framework of sustainability. Malta’s heritage has long been central to Malta’s social and political agenda, partly in view of its impact on the tourism sector.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) is the regulator of cultural heritage as outlined in the Cultural Heritage Act of 2002. The Cultural Heritage Act was last amended in 2024, reinforcing the Superintendence’s regulatory role and extending recognition to underwater heritage Its mission is to fulfil the duties of the State in its function as the statutory regulator of cultural heritage, by ensuring the protection and accessibility of Malta’s cultural heritage. Its duties include carrying out monitoring of ongoing restoration works; authorising and carrying out surveillance over archaeological investigations and monitoring on land and at sea; compiling a National Inventory of cultural objects, both immovable and movable as well as intangible heritage; carrying out surveillance of import/export and movement of cultural heritage; advising and coordinating with the national planning authority for urban and rural development when reviewing planning applications related to development which may affect cultural heritage.
It also advises government, the minister, government entities, NGOs and the public on all matters affecting cultural heritage, including restoration and conservation and underwater cultural heritage; promotes and conducts research in cultural heritage fields, including the National Research Agenda.
There are plans for the effectiveness and operational capacity of the of existing national frameworks for UNESCO matters to be carefully examined and reformed. The National UNESCO Commission and the UNESCO World Heritage Applications Steering Committee are to be reviewed and placed on a sounder operational footing to be effective and as inclusive as possible.
The Committee of Guarantee has been set up through the Cultural Heritage Act to ensure and facilitate the collaboration between the different agencies that have direct or indirect responsibility for the protection and management of the cultural heritage sector. It is also responsible for advising the government on the National Strategy for Cultural Heritage. NCP 2021 calls on the Committee of Guarantee to review areas of weakness in the current planning framework that have resulted in the loss of cultural heritage, and to make practical recommendations to address these systemic weaknesses.
NCP 2021 calls for planning laws and other forms of legislation that are known to impact heritage protection to be reviewed and if necessary amended. A Review Commission composed of cultural heritage and legal experts should be established to undertake a holistic review of existing laws.
NCP 2021 also calls for serious consideration of the establishment of specialised magistrates
and judges who are purposely trained to handle cases involving cultural heritage. Certain existing tribunal procedures are known to fail in the protection of cultural heritage assets and have fallen short of implementing the precautionary principle. A specialised judiciary has become critical in addressing Malta’s cultural heritage now facing unrelenting and unprecedented pressures.
Heritage Malta is the national government agency, set up in 2002 under the provisions of the Cultural Heritage Act, entrusted with the management of national museums and heritage sites and their related collections in Malta and Gozo, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is a serial inscription consisting of six sites.
Malta ratified the European Landscape Convention on 26 May 2025 (in force 1 September 2025), after a 25-year interval since signature, bringing landscape protection and public participation principles into the international framework that informs heritage and place-based policy. Over the coming years Heritage Malta aims to keep investing in research about individual sites, how they relate to their context as well as other contemporary sites in Malta and the Mediterranean; adopt a visitor-centred museology approach in all museums and cultural heritage sites; convert the traditional museum into a community space and cultural resource; promote the alternative use of heritage venues for exhibitions, events and other cultural activities in order to broaden visitor participation and strengthen the links between cultural heritage and the arts; establish the Collections Management System for the national collection of intangible and tangible artefacts; improve the physical and intellectual accessibility of collections, sites and museums; exhibit and support the digitisation resources to promote the collection of intangible cultural heritage in line with national requirements and international obligations; increase the intellectual accessibility to cultural material and encourage creative ideas on experiencing cultural heritage; increase the use of digital and online media for the enjoyment, use, promotion and marketing of Malta’s cultural heritage heritage to enhance cultural tourism; facilitate access to cultural heritage through alternate methods including mobile educational collections in venues such as schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other public spaces; create, promote and implement outreach programmes to enrich educational curricula with the aim to make museums an extension of the classroom; craft museums’ learning role around individual visitor needs.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has been publishing the major discoveries made during since its establishment in 2003. Publications present an overview of the most significant archaeological discoveries made in the Maltese Islands and span all the archaeological and historical periods from Prehistory to the British Period.
National projects which are located along the coast or underwater in Maltese territorial waters require guidance from the Superintendence to ensure cultural heritage is not negatively impacted. With increasing tourism, the search for alternative energy resources, and the need for the refurbishment of coastal areas for safety reasons, coastal site management becomes critical and the threat to underwater cultural heritage must be mitigated. Climate change, increased sea water levels and temperature rises also affect the coastal and underwater cultural heritage. The SCH has been engaging the public on adaptive strategies and presenting at conferences to highlight sites which are at considerable risk.
The Underwater Heritage Team at the SCH visits underwater areas of archaeological sensitivity and coastal areas to assess any potential concerns. It collaborates with other entities to address strategies for the future. Location of Works and Terms of Reference (TORs) are issued for all planning permit applications including those for national projects which take place in areas underwater where potential archaeological or historical features, sites, or artefacts may be impacted. These TORs provide developers with the guidance required to ensure potential archaeology in the sediment on the seabed is not impacted; furthermore, conditions and restrictions are officially issued to ensure cultural heritage preservation. Several articles in the Cultural Heritage Act 2002 (as amended, Cap 445), namely Articles 44 to 48, outline legislation that pertain to underwater cultural heritage to conserve historical and archaeological underwater heritage.
To further protect cultural assets and share data, the SCH regularly updates the National Inventory’s structure through a re-categorisation of all existing entries finalises and standardises operating procedures. This process facilitates data capture and analysis for both SCH the public. In 2023 the first batch of immovable property was published in the National Inventory after 9 years’ work. The entity’s work on the National Inventory had the following goals: revise the attributes collected and published on each property in the Inventory; standardise and consolidate terminology, tying in with the Movable Inventory; go through the entire Inventory of 2,552 existing properties; translate the data on every property into the revised format whilst checking the validity and accuracy of the data; continue with the data capture exercises; outline new thematic exercises to be undertaken; study and analyse collected data to compile the results; and propose for inclusion in the National Inventory those assets which are worth protecting.
In 2021 and 2022 the SCH signed agreements with Esri to focus on the development of spatial data for use as a platform on which to make readily available cultural heritage data and streamline workflows and work processes. In 2023 the focus was directed towards the streamlining of work process through a GIS platform. The SCH and associated national entities have gained access to technical support and training programmes.
The Catholic Cultural Heritage Commission (CCHC) was set up by a Decree issued in 2002, in line with article 69 of the Cultural Heritage Act, Chapter 445 of the Laws of Malta. It aims to helps the Episcopal Conference with its advice and its activity in safeguarding and promoting the cultural patrimony of the Catholic Church in Malta. The Commission fulfils the functions and exercises the competencies established by the Laws of Malta. The CCHC works in collaboration with other State entities in the sector, primarily the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
Considering a longer perspective, most heritage issues addressed in the late 1990s were already related to the difficulties encountered in the conservation and protection of Malta’s vast number of sites and other historically valuable buildings, particularly from acts of vandalism. The introduction of low-cost airlines in 2006 heightened the debate about mass tourists and whether Malta should diversify its tourism market to cater for niche and cultural tourists.
The protection of Malta’s heritage grew in importance leading to the Heritage Act of 2001 that split the state-run Museums Department into two structures dealing with regulation on the one hand and operations on the other. As noted, the SCH assumes responsibility for regulation while Heritage Malta operates state-owned cultural sites.
Heritage Malta has concentrated on structural projects co-financed by the EU. Foremost among these was the ERDF archaeological conservation project at the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Complex, Ġgantija, St Paul’s Catacombs and Tarxien, the Għjan Tuffieħa Roman Baths, Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, Fort St Angelo, and the relocation of the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Private cultural heritage foundations such as Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna assist in the restoration of heritage sites and curate exhibitions of historical and artistic importance following the governmental policy to transfer neglected properties to such organisations through the Guardianship Deed mechanism.
NCP 2021 proposes the heritage sector ensure the adoption of the latest techniques and the most updated knowledge in heritage conservation. It calls for the provision of a fresh outlook on the past to appeal to all sections of the population, especially children and young people, as well as to international visitors to the Islands.
Therefore, interpretation should be historically sensitive as well as innovative in its presentation and appreciation of heritage. Training in heritage conservation and management remain crucial to balance the conservation needs of sensitive artefacts and sites with the pressures of a demanding national and international audience.
ACM supports investments in the traditional ‘festa’, now recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, through a special fund. The Artistic Heritage Scheme contributes to the national cultural landscape by supporting band clubs, fireworks factories, and feast associations invest in the necessary support structures. Initiatives supported safeguard and promote the diversity of artistic and cultural expression in Malta, to lead to regeneration, creativity, and innovation founded on artistic heritage.
The tax incentives currently available under the National Heritage Donations Rules are intended to promote donations ultimately intended for research, conservation or restoration, education or the exhibition of cultural heritage. Tax deductions are applicable for qualifying donations made to the SCH, Heritage Malta, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti or other qualifying non-governmental cultural heritage organisations. Additional incentives are being proposed to further promote the donation of funds by businesses and private individuals to ensure the protection and accessibility of Malta’s cultural heritage.
Discussions are underway to introduce specific legislation within the Cultural Heritage Act with which to observe the Outstanding Universal Value of Valletta, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Valletta Management Plan
The Valletta Management Plan (VMP) is a strategic framework developed to preserve and enhance Valletta’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Launched in December 2023, the plan aims to safeguard the city’s historical and cultural heritage while promoting its sustainable development. The plan is structured into seven chapters, focusing on:
- Valletta’s Value as a World Heritage Site, analysing the city’s unique cultural and historical significance.
- Property and Buffer Zone, defining the areas to be protected and managed.
- Objectives of the Management Plan, outlining goals aligned with UNESCO’s “five Cs” of World Heritage Convention: credibility, conservation, capacity building, communication, and communities.
- Current Issues, identifying challenges such as gentrification, conflicts between residential and commercial interests, and the need for sustainable tourism management.
- Conservation Measures, proposing strategies to maintain and restore the city’s architectural and cultural assets.
- Action Measures, detailing initiatives for medium- and long-term implementation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation, establishing mechanisms to assess the plan’s effectiveness.
A key concern addressed in the plan is the threat of gentrification. The plan emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between preserving cultural heritage and fostering a dynamic urban environment.
To facilitate the plan’s implementation, a working committee was established in July 2024. This committee includes representatives from the Valletta Local Council, the Valletta Cultural Agency, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and the National Heritage, the Ministry for Tourism, the Police Force, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Cleaning and Maintenance Division. The committee’s objectives are to enhance maintenance, order, security, and accessibility within Valletta.
The VMP represents a comprehensive effort to ensure that Valletta’s rich cultural heritage is preserved for future generations while adapting to contemporary needs and challenges.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Malta protects and promotes its intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through a combination of legislation, national initiatives, and international commitments. Malta has adopted a legal and institutional framework whereby Malta ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, committing to preserving traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship. The SCH is the government body overseeing cultural heritage protection, including intangible aspects. The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage helps document and recognise cultural practices to ensure their safeguarding.
Malta adopts key areas of protection and promotion. These include its traditional festas, namely village feasts dedicated to Catholic patron saints, featuring processions, fireworks, and band marches, safeguarded as a core part of Maltese identity. Another is ‘għana’, traditional folk singing, a recognised form of Maltese oral tradition. Efforts are made to keep it alive through festivals and documentation. Another consists of crafts and artisanal skills, including traditional crafts like lacemaking (‘bizzilla’), filigree, and boat building (for instance regarding the Luzzu fishing boat. Culinary traditions are another area. The Maltese village ‘festa’, ‘għana’ and the traditional bread ‘ftira’ have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Since 2018, the Heritage Passport gives free access to Heritage Malta sites to children and two accompanying adults, and senior citizens, a policy initiative that together with open days encourages access to the sites.
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