Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1159832
CULTURE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 AUGUST 2019 8 A curious play of forgetfulness and re- discovery seems to form an intriguing part of the destiny of the site of Ta' Bis- tra Catacombs. A series of uses followed by tempo- rary abandonment might have been one of the factors. Likewise, is its un- canny connection with roads. Currently located at the limits of Mosta, this archaeological site is in plain view of a very busy road and yet most of the public appears to be una- ware of its existence. In an attempt to recapture the col- lective memory of those who remem- ber Ta' Bistra Catacombs and the surrounding landscape as it was in the past, on Sunday 15 September, Heritage Malta is organising an Open Day during which the public can visit and explore this site for free. This is also a significant opportuni- ty for those who have any memories or memorabilia of these catacombs to share their narratives and leave their mark at the event 'Niftakar Ta' Bistra'. A farm which was built over the catacombs in the post-war period, today serves as the entrance to this archaeological site. A certain Indrì had built this rural residence in the hope that his wife would join him but she did not want to have anything to do with this place and preferred to stay in the nearby town of Mosta. Finding himself alone in this strange abode, the man let his imagination run. Besides adjusting some of the death- ly chambers to his personal use and to accommodate some farm animals, he also engraved a number of faces in different parts of the catacombs. These awkward sentinels now seem to be watching over the catacombs which managed to survive up to these days. It seems that originally, this site was close to the main route through the Great Fault, in line with the Roman custom of placing cemeteries along the main roads, outside residential areas. After it was abandoned, the site seems to have remained partially exposed. It was documented for the first time by a drawn plan and a num- ber of photos taken by E. Magri in 1886 and F. Vassalli in 1891. The site was mentioned again by E. Becker in 1913. Through descriptions left by Sir. T Zammit in 1914 and Bellanti in 1920, we know that the large quarry, which also formed part of the site, had al- Remembrance past at Ta' Indrí at Ta' Bistra Catacombs in 1933 Above: Modern archaeologists excavating the site of Ta' Bistra Catacombs and (left) the three lamps unearthed in 2014