Tourist who vandalised Ġgantija temple fined €15,000

A man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and a €15,000 fine after vandalising the Ġgantija temple in Gozo.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the individual was observed scratching two numbers on a megalith in the monument's Northern structure. Heritage Malta said that although other visitors warned the man to stop, he ignored them and continued to deface the prehistoric stone.

The man, who is Hungarian, was later caught by security personnel at the site’s gift shop. Upon being confronted, he admitted to the act but claimed he believed such markings were allowed because of the presence of historical graffiti on the same megalith. He remained cooperative once the police arrived and said he regretted his actions.

The man was arraigned before the Gozo Court on Wednesday where he admitted to the charges, and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for four years. He was also ordered to pay a €15,000 fine.

Conservation experts have stated the damage is permanent and irreversible.

Heritage Malta explained that any attempts to remove the scratches would likely destroy the stone’s original surface patina, which protects the megalith from deterioration.