11 February 2020
Even if you are an avid travel lover and like to explore culture and history of different countries you may not quite dig in to everything that such a small state like Malta has to offer. I equipped myself in a guide book and obviously read before the travel but what I discovered from this lecture is quite astonishing: Malta has lots of Megalithic and prehistory remains and museums.
You don't need to be a history expert to be interested in them, it is enough of thinking of Stonehege or similar famous sites to be enough intrigued of what is really going on in Malta. You also don't need to be a historian to enjoy the sight and learning about them. Just visit and explore on your own to get a fascinating introduction of a rich history of this small nation.
Here I am giving you just a glimpse of what is worth visit - from a point of view of a laic - like myself and probably many of you - and which site is simply resulting in wow from the first sight.
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1. First things first: National Museum of Archeology
Before you rush to visit any of the megalithic site I strongly advise to pop in to the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta. It provides a good information and background of prehistoric times on the island and place all discoveries in the context. It also explains differences between them and their characteristic features.
Some sites are not that spectacular so it is good to understand why they are important.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
For more information consult the museum website.
2. Hal Salfieni Hypogeum
The site is placed underground and because its location ambience it is very sensitive for any change of temperature, light and humidity therefore the access is strictly controlled and limited. Only 10 persons are allowed each hour during the entry hours. Make sure to book weeks if not months in advance. Otherwise you need to stay content with only a audiovisual show and will not see the site at all.
The visit cost 40 and includes the visit to the temples plus the audiovisual show. All together lasts 50 minutes. The cost is not refundable in case of cancellation or no-show.
The audiovisual show costs only 5 but you will not see the temples. It last 15 minutes.
The costs include an audioguide.
In case you didn't book in advance you can head to the museum and ask for last minute tickets. The museum allocates the slots 12pm and 16pm for last time bookings but they also have the capacity of 10 people.
It is forbidden taking pictures inside the museum so no picture here, sorry.
The entry IS NOT included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
For more information consult the museum website.
3. Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien temples are located in the north in tarxien area and are very impoertant for Malta early history. The site was inhabited throughout 100 years during different periods and used as ceremonial place and cementery.
One of the most famous finding at this site is the pictured lady - the original you can find in the National Museum of Archeology mentioned above. The site displays a replica.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
4. Hagar Qim Temples
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples complex is one of the largest in Malta.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
5. Mnajdra Temples
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
6. Ta'Hagrat Temples
The site is not very big but apparently quite important for the megalithic history of Malta. In winter you are likely to be the only visitor though.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket. If you don't have it the ticket must be purchased from any other museum ticket office. On site there is only a guard.
7. Skorba Temples
This one is located close to Ta-Hagrat so you may want to visit them on the same day.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket. If you don't have it the ticket must be purchased from any other museum ticket office. On site there is only a guard.
8. Ggantija Temples
What is impressive for this temples is certainly the location. It is settled on a hill with a good views around and the walk at the site is very interesting.
The structure is supported by a scaffolding as you can see on the photo to prevent further collapsing though.
It is one of the most important megalithic site in the country but you need to travel to the island of Gozo to visit, which is actually an advantage, because Gozo is charming!
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
9. Ghar Dalam
is in fact a cave with some prehistoric remains. A 5-15 minutes visit is enough unless you are a professional and want to learn more.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket.
10. Borg In-Nadur
The site is not very well signposted and is not even present in many good guidebooks. Best is to head first to the Ghar Dalam cave which is just 10 minutes up the road by foot and ask there for directions and/or the map of the area.
The entry is included in Malta Heritage Ticket. If you don't have it the ticket must be purchased from the Ghar Dalam or any other museum ticket office. On site there is only a guard.