Deep-water archaeological park in Xlendi
The Malta Airport Foundation collaborated with Heritage Malta on an initiative to establish the world’s first deep-water archaeological park, just off Xlendi Bay, Gozo.
Located 105 meters below sea level off Xlendi Bay in Gozo, the site, discovered in 1993, spans 67,000 m² and contains a vast array of Punic archaeological materials. Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has been using innovative methods to
document and research the site, which holds thousands of ancient artifacts, including amphorae and urns, dating back to the 7th century BC, as well as natural rocky outcrops from extinct coral reefs.
The site was meticulously mapped and documented in collaboration with the University of Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. The artifacts are preserved underwater in accordance with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, with details recorded in a geodatabase for controlled access. To make the Xlendi deep-water marine park accessible to the public, 360-degree videos, images, and 3D models have been made available on the Underwater Malta website, a virtual museum of Malta’s underwater archaeological sites.
The Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park opened for divers in the summer of 2023 while, a permanent exhibition at the nearby Xlendi coastal watch tower opened later in the year, providing further insights and access to this unique underwater site.
“We are immensely grateful for the invaluable contribution of the Malta Airport Foundation to our pioneering work in establishing the world’s first deep-water archaeological park. The Foundation’s support has greatly helped us in raising awareness about the underwater cultural heritage of the Maltese Islands among divers, researchers, and the general public, further enriching and preserving our national heritage.”
– Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta Chief Executive Officer
The Malta Airport Foundation has committed to supporting this project until 2026.
Read more about the Deep-water archaeological park in Xlendi