Prehistoric Temples in Malta
Excursion Overview:
A tour of Malta’s temples is a must for anyone visiting this beautiful Mediterranean island. Malta and Gozo are home to seven megalithic temples, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These temples date back as far as 5500 years and are the oldest stone structures in the world, older even than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Malta also hosts over thirty other temples, reflecting the island’s rich history.
The tour begins with a visit to Għar Dalam, a prehistoric site whose significance was discovered in the second half of the 19th century thanks to a series of excavations that uncovered animal bones, human remains, and artifacts. The Għar Dalam Cave is of great importance to paleontology, archaeology, and ecology. The history of the cave and the Islands can be decoded from the stratigraphy of Għar Dalam. The deepest layers, more than 500,000 years old, contain fossil bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotamuses, micromammals, birds, and other species. Above these lies a layer of pebbles, followed by the “deer layer,” dating back around 18,000 years. The uppermost layer, or “cultural layer,” dates to less than 10,000 years ago and preserves evidence of the first human settlement on the island. It was here that the oldest signs of human settlement in Malta were found, dating back about 7,400 years. The site includes a cave, a Victorian-style exhibit, an educational presentation, and a garden planted with native plants and trees.
The visit continues with the Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. The megalithic complex of Hagar Qim sits atop a hill on the southern edge of the island, on a crest of globigerina limestone. All the exposed rock on the island dates back to the Oligocene and Miocene geological periods. Just 500 meters from Hagar Qim lies the megalithic temple of Mnajdra. The surrounding area is typical of the Mediterranean scrub for its ruggedness and isolation; it has been designated as a heritage park. A few hundred meters from the temple stands one of the thirteen watchtowers built by Grand Master Martin de Redin, called Hamrija Tower.
Price for adults: €45
Price for children: €35 (3-12 years)
The prices include:
- Half-day tour
- Entrance ticket to Hagar Qim
- Entrance ticket to Mnajdra
- Entrance ticket to Għar Dalam
- Multilingual guide