Ħaġar Qim Megalithic Temples
Valletta, Malta
A prehistoric temple complex from the Neolithic period built on the southern coast of Malta around 3600-3200 BCE. The structure was made of massive blocks of coralline limestone, the largest of which weighs over 20 tons and measures almost 7 meters in length. The temple is older than the Egyptian pyramids and the stone circle at Stonehenge. Inside, the famous figurine of the Sleeping Lady and stone altars decorated with spiral reliefs were found. The entire complex is protected by a modern tent-like canopy shielding the rock from erosion.
- Visit time: 1 h 15 min
- Local name: Ħaġar Qim
What to look for
- A monolithic stone weighing 20 tons integrated into the northern wall of the temple
- Oval apses with stone altars decorated with carved spirals
- An educational center with a 3D film about the Neolithic era
Before you go
- Best time: Early morning before the midday heat arrives
- Crowds: More traffic during the arrival of tour buses
- Note: Windy open space above the sea cliff
Good to know
- During the summer solstice, the first rays of the rising sun pass through an elliptical opening directly onto the altar in the apse.
Sources: heritagemalta.mt, en.wikipedia.org
How long does it take to visit Ħaġar Qim Megalithic Temples?
Plan about 1 h 15 min.
Nearby
- Megalithic Temples of Mnajdra — 540 m
- Blue Grotto — 1.5 km
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