The Minister for Culture, Owen Bonnici, together with Heritage Malta, announced that the St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat have been awarded the European Heritage Label, making them the first Maltese site to receive this recognition.The certificate acknowledges the site’s contribution to a deeper understanding of Europe’s shared past.“This recognition of St. Paul’s Catacombs not only highlights Malta’s rich and significant history, but also demonstrates our forward-looking approach with seriousness and responsibility. When culture is seen as a pillar of innovation and sustainable growth, we are building a future with solid roots,” said Minister Bonnici. As part of the European Commission’s Creative Europe framework, the European Heritage Label recognises sites that have been crucial in shaping Europe’s history, culture, and development. This year saw the largest number of sites awarded since 2014, with 13 sites selected by independent experts for their historical significance and commitment to engaging and inspiring youth.“These sites remind us that Europe’s future is rooted in its shared past. They are living classrooms for younger generations. By preserving them, we ensure that Europe’s history continues to inspire, unite and guide us forward,” said Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Culture. Last March, St. Paul’s Catacombs were chosen from proposals submitted by 15 EU countries and are now recognised for conveying key elements of Europe’s shared human history.The catacombs served as a cemetery during the Punic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, making them the largest classical-period burial site in Malta. The complex contains Jewish, polytheistic, and Christian burials, offering some of the earliest material evidence of religious coexistence, diversity, and freedom of belief in Europe.“This achievement affirms the agency’s long-term commitment to placing Malta’s heritage in its broader European context. It strengthens Heritage Malta’s participation in initiatives such as European Heritage Days and International Museum Day, while enhancing the role of the catacombs in the Camino Maltés route and Malta’s UNESCO Tentative List, placing the site on Europe’s cultural map for current and future generations,” said Noel Zammit, CEO of Heritage Malta.Other European values represented at the site, through symbols, inscriptions, and unique features, include equality, human dignity, free trade, and scientific knowledge. The site also reflects the Christianisation of Europe and the beginnings of related traditions.As part of the process leading to the award, Heritage Malta proposed a project to make the catacombs a more engaging historical and educational destination, highlighting their European significance. The initiative includes upgrades to the visitor centre, exhibition spaces, an interpretation pavilion, a dig zone for children and youth, and an improved audio guide with more European language options.Other sites awarded the European Heritage Label this year include Provadia-Sonitsa in Bulgaria, the oldest salt production centre and Europe’s first prehistoric urban centre; the Lapedo Child remains in Portugal, one of Europe’s rare Paleolithic child burials; and the Styrian Armoury in Austria, the world’s largest preserved historical armoury.Tag a history buffCredit:•