VALLETTA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Completed conservation works on the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, one of Malta's three UNESCO World Heritage sites, led to its inauguration on Friday.
An underground prehistoric cemetery used from around 4,000 BC to 2,500 BC, the Hypogeum is often cited as one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.
It is also the only known European example of a subterranean "labyrinth" from this time period.
UNESCO says that the site is "a unique monument of exceptional value... The quality of its architecture and its remarkable state of preservation make it an essential prehistoric monument".
The site, which had been closed for some time, has been reviewed and redesigned. New visitor facilities have been added.
The cost of the restoration works, amounting to 1.1 million euros (1.2 million U.S. dollars), was partly financed by an EEA Grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The Hypogeum will be reopened to the public on May 15.
