Archaelogical human remains dug up in Birgu

Human bones dating back to the 16th century were uncovered in Birgu earlier this week during works to install an underground cable.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, who were constantly monitoring the works, said in a statement that the bones were found next to the Oratory of St. Joseph in what was once a cemetery of the St. Lawrence Church.

“Over the years, buildings and roads were constructed over the cemetery,” the Superintendence said in a statement. “By the 19th century, all evidence that this cemetery existed was lost. There are probably several other historical remains buried in this zone.”  

The bones, which belonged to an adult, were found intact a few centimetres under the pavement despite the heavy bombing that Birgu had suffered during the Second World War.

The Superintendence decided to preserve the skeleton, re-bury it where they had found it, and help locate an alternative route for the underground cable.