Malta’s Prehistoric Temples and the Hypogeum: Visitor Guide

Malta’s megalithic temples are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, built by farming communities more than 5,000 years ago. Together with the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, they are the most remarkable sights on the islands. This is our visitor guide at Experiences Malta: which temples to see, how to book and how to plan your visit.

Malta’s Prehistoric Temples at a Glance

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are a single UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ġgantija in Gozo was listed in 1980, and Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ta’ Ħaġrat and Skorba were added in 1992. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a separate World Heritage Site.

Site	Where	Why go	Effort
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra	Qrendi, south coast	Two dramatic temples above the sea	Easy, with a visitor centre
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum	Paola	A unique underground burial site	Book far ahead
Tarxien Temples	Tarxien	Intricate spiral carvings	Easy, near the Hypogeum
Ġgantija	Xagħra, Gozo	Some of the oldest, biggest stones	Ferry to Gozo
Ta’ Ħaġrat and Skorba	Mġarr and Żebbiegħ	Small, quiet sites for enthusiasts	Limited opening

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra

If you visit only one temple site in Malta, make it this one. Ħaġar Qim stands on a ridge above the sea near the village of Qrendi, and Mnajdra lies about 500 metres away down a footpath towards the cliffs. Both are protected by large shelters built in 2008 to slow weathering of the soft limestone.

• Tickets: €10 for adults, €7.50 for seniors, students and 12 to 17 year olds, €5.50 for children aged 6 to 11, free for under-6s (Heritage Malta prices).
• Visitor centre: with a shop, snacks, lockers and one of the original carved stones on display.
• Accessibility: the visitor centre and Ħaġar Qim are accessible, Mnajdra is not.
• Combine with: the Blue Grotto boats at Wied iż-Żurrieq, a few minutes away.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hypogeum in Paola is an underground complex of chambers cut into the rock and used as a burial site in prehistoric times, with the earliest levels dating to around 3600 BC. It is fragile, so Heritage Malta lets only 10 people inside at a time to control temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels.

Adults (18+)	€35
Youths (12 to 17) and seniors (60+)	€20
Children (6 to 11)	€15
Under 6	Not admitted
Last-minute tickets	€50, sold the day before, first come first served, maximum 4 per person
Photography	Not allowed

Tarxien Temples

A short walk from the Hypogeum, the Tarxien Temples are a complex of four structures, the earliest built between 3600 and 3200 BC and used until around 2500 BC. They are best known for their carved spirals and animal reliefs. Visit them on the same day as the Hypogeum.

Ġgantija Temples, Gozo

On the Xagħra plateau in Gozo, Ġgantija dates from the Ġgantija phase, around 3600 to 3000 BC, and its walls include some of the largest stones of any Maltese temple. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. A Heritage Malta combo ticket also covers the nearby Ta’ Kola Windmill. Plan your day with our Gozo guide.

Ta’ Ħaġrat and Skorba

Two small sites in the north-west of Malta. Ta’ Ħaġrat in Mġarr has a temple from the Ġgantija phase with a second added later, and Skorba in Żebbiegħ has remains linked to some of the earliest farming settlements on Malta. They open less often than the bigger sites, so check Heritage Malta before you go.

See the Solstice Sunrise at Mnajdra

Mnajdra’s southern temple is aligned with the sun. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun shines straight through the main doorway to the inner niche. At the summer and winter solstices, the first light falls on the edges of decorated stones inside. Heritage Malta sometimes runs early-morning visits on these dates, so look out for announcements.

Planning Tips

• Start with the museum: the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta displays finds from the temples, including the Sleeping Lady from the Hypogeum. See our Valletta guide.
• Avoid midday in summer: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are on an exposed ridge with little shade.
• Group your visits: the Hypogeum and Tarxien in one morning, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and the Blue Grotto in another.
• Use public transport: buses reach all the main sites, and travellers on Reddit report that a temples day by bus is easy and cheap.

Malta Temples FAQ

How old are the temples in Malta?

The oldest date from around 3600 BC, which makes them older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza.

How do I get tickets for the Hypogeum?

Book through Heritage Malta as early as possible, as only 10 people can enter at a time. Last-minute tickets at €50 are sold the day before, first come, first served.

Which temple in Malta is the best to visit?

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are the most impressive and easiest to visit, thanks to the setting above the sea and the visitor centre. The Hypogeum is unique, but needs booking well in advance.

Can children visit the Hypogeum?

Children aged 6 and over can visit. Children under 6 are not admitted.

Keep Planning

Sources: Heritage Malta: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, Heritage Malta: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Megalithic Temples of Malta (Wikipedia), Visit Malta: Ġgantija, Past Pathways: Hypogeum booking guide, r/malta: Gozo trip.