Historical Temples and Caves of Malta

Tarxien Temples-
Only a few hundred meters from the Hypogeum, the above- ground Tarxien Temples provide a striking contrast to those dark subterranean chambers, through the urban environs hardly make an appropriate setting for such age-old relics. This complex is the large stand most recent of the `Copper age` temples in Malta. It is also most elaboratorally embellished. as in the Hypoheum

Follow signs to Valletta, then Fgura,-Tarxien

Blue Grotto - Wied iz-Zurrieq - South Malta
This picturesque grotto and neighboring sea caves mirror the brilliant phosphorescent colors of underwater flora. It can be reached by boat and if you get there early you can catch the rays of the morning sun flooding the entire grotto. Boats from the Blue Grotto deart from Wied iz-Zurrieq (Follow Qrendi - Zurrieq signs or Bus32, 34 from Valletta )

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples: (South of Malta)

Hagar Qim means `Standing Stones` PROBABLY THE OLDEST MAN MADE FREE STANDING STONE TEMPLES IN THE WORLD.

These twin temple complexes occupy a spectacular site above the sea, looking out at the island of Filfla. The sites date back around 3000BC and there are a number of similarities with the Tarxien temples. 1.5KM off Qrendi

(Follow Qrendi - Zurrieq signs or Bus32, 34 from Valletta )

The Famous Hypogeum . In the Hypogeum no metals tools were used and the ornamentation , in the form of spiral releifs and carved animals, suggests a sophisticated community of temple builders and carvers. This complex is also the richest repository of pr-historic art on the islands, untouched for thousands of years until Sir Themi Zammit started his excavations in 1915. Bookings in Advance will be required

Follow signs to Valetta, Tarxien BUS 8,11 and 26 from Valletta

Ghar Dalam (Cave and Museum)

Birzebbuga This cave is a veritable depository of semi-fossilized remains and extinct species such as dwarf elephants and hippopotami which roamed the island some 250,000 years ago, ostensibly when it was still part of the Africa land mass.

Follow signs to Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia