10 Ancient Ruins in Island of Malta That You Shouldn't Miss

July 31, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.
Restaurants in Island of Malta

1. St. Publius Parish Church

48 Triq Il-Miratur, Il-Furjana, Island of Malta Malta
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

St. Publius Parish Church

2. Hagar Qim Temples

Hagar Qim Street, Qrendi, Island of Malta QRD 2501 Malta +356 2142 4231 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/hagar-qim-temples/
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4.5 based on 2,483 reviews

Hagar Qim Temples

The temple of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla, not more than 2km south-west of the village of Qrendi. At the bottom of the hill, only 500m away, one finds the remarkable temples of Mnajdra. Both sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Reviewed By emerina_bakkes - Cape Town Central, South Africa

This is a must visit when you are in Malta - the temples are well preserved and the audio guide gives you a lot of information. Come early at 09h00 to enjoy the temple and surroundings in peace.

3. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Triq Ic-Cimiterju, Paola, Island of Malta PLA 1111 Malta +356 2180 5019 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/hal-saflieni-hypogeum/
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4.5 based on 1,256 reviews

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site, a complex made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC, and the complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC. The Hypogeum was first opened to the public in 1908. Due to its uniqueness, the site became very popular with visitors. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact on the delicate microclimate of the site. For this reason, a conservation project was conducted that also included the closure of the site for 10 years between 1990 and 2000. As a result of these studies, a new visiting system was established. Nowadays, only 10 visitors an hour are now allowed inside the Hypogeum for a maximum of 8 tours a day. This system is also complemented by an environmental control system which keeps temperature and humidity at required levels. Tickets for the Hypogeum should be purchased well in advance.

Reviewed By JacqJains - Island of Malta, Malta

The immersive audio-visual show is powerfully compelling and sets the scene before being lead down to the incredibly impressive underground burial site. The narration with a hand-held wand is very well done with articulate information and atmospheric sounds. This is the only prehistoric burial site accessible to the public.....mind-blowing! Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is justifiably inscribed on the World Heritage List and an absolute must if you are an antiquities enthusiast. Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

4. Valletta City Wall

Valletta, Island of Malta Malta
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Valletta City Wall

5. Fort Ricasoli

Kalkara, Island of Malta Malta
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Fort Ricasoli

6. Mnajdra Temples

Triq Hagar Qim, Qrendi, Island of Malta 2502 Malta +356 2142 4231 http://heritagemalta.org/museums-sites/mnajdra-temples/
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4.5 based on 61 reviews

Mnajdra Temples

Reviewed By DanielAmy - Rotorua, New Zealand

These temples are just as impressive as the Hagar Qim excavations and you’ll have access to view them of you’ve paid for tickets to the Hagar Qim Archeological sites. The walk is a little further than the first set of temples and will require about a 10 minute walk uphill to exit the complex. Overall, great well-kept temples. Don’t miss the dot art which they believe to be an ancient calendar!

7. Tarxien Temples

Triq It Tempji Neolitici, Tarxien, Island of Malta TXN 1063 Malta +356 2169 5578 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/tarxien-temples/
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4.0 based on 649 reviews

Tarxien Temples

Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this site consists of a complex of four megalithic structures built between 3600 and 2500 BC, and re-used between 2400 and 1500 BC.

Reviewed By MarcA1568 - Msida, Malta

This Temple explains most of the story and use of this Temple. Very well kept and clean with well explained signage, step by step, as you walk through the Temple. Well done and thanks to Heritage Malta for keeping Malta's history to its best.

8. Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction) and Caves

Dingli, Island of Malta Malta
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4.0 based on 105 reviews

Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction) and Caves

There are several prehistoric sites near village of Dingli: the so-called 'cart ruts', unexplained parallel tracks hewn in the rock, and several megalithic caves.

Reviewed By tiggidodo - Island of Malta, Malta

Dingli Cart Ruts known also as Clapham Junction because they intersect one another. Though they are man-made, they remain to this date mysterious as no one has yet come up with any evidence what they represented or why they were dug. Cart ruts are found in many other parts of the Island of Malta, however the Dingli cart ruts remain untouched and undamaged by development. Many have visited and tried to solve their mystery.....maybe someday someone will tell us what they mean.

9. Ta’ Bistra Catacombs

Triq il-Missjunarji Maltin, Mosta, Island of Malta Malta +356 2142 1381 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/museums-sites/ta-bistra-catacombs/
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4.0 based on 19 reviews

Ta’ Bistra Catacombs

Located half way between the ancient town of Melite and the once-important harbour of Salina, the Ta’ Bistra catacombs are, so far, the largest set of tombs and catacombs accessible beyond the confines of the ancient city of the Island. They were first recorded in the late 1800s but were only investigated in 1933 by Captain Charles Zammit before part of the site was covered over by a new road leading down to Burmarrad.

10. Borg in-Nadur Temples

Sqaq In-Nadur, Birzebbuga, Island of Malta Malta http://www.malta.com/en/attraction/culture/temple-historical-site/borg-in-nadur-temple
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3.5 based on 15 reviews

Borg in-Nadur Temples

Reviewed By MarioV890 - Attard, Malta

The Borg in-Nadur Temple was built during the last phase of the temple period, around 2500 BC, and it was used by the Bronze Age people.

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