Some of the oldest temples in the world are in Malta. They are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. These prehistoric sites will be interesting to you if you like ancient history. They provide you a rare look at how early civilisations built their societies, worshipped, and lived. Many people who come here to learn about Malta history choose to stay at ST Hotels since they offer the best accommodation in Sliema and Gzira.
What Makes Malta’s Temples Stand Out?
The Megalithic Temples of Malta are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These amazing buildings were built between 3600 and 2500 BCE and are among the oldest stone constructions in the world. Each one is different, which shows how creative and skilled the people who made them were.
The outside of the buildings was made of durable coralline limestone, and the inside was made of softer globigerina limestone for carvings and embellishments. A lot of temples are built in line with the solstices and equinoxes, which shows that these early communities knew a lot about astronomy.
Malta is a must-see for history buffs since it has so many temples in such a short area.
Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra: Temples by the Sea
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are two of Malta’s most famous ancient landmarks, both located on the southern coast.
Mnajdra is especially famous for the way it lines up with the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes. On those mornings, sunlight shines right through the entrance into the central chamber. There’s a visitor centre with a small museum and audio guides to help you explore.
Mnajdra is closer to the sea, whereas Ħaġar Qim has beautiful views of the sea from its peak. You can see spiral sculptures, altars, and other traces of spiritual life inside.
You should plan to be here for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. There are stories waiting to be found in this tranquil, beautiful place.
Tarxien Temples: Art and Life in the World
The Tarxien Temples, which are close to Paola, give you a better idea of how prehistoric people lived and worshipped. This place is famous for its carvings, which include images of animals and lovely patterns.
You will see a number of connected buildings that were created throughout time, with clear indications of altars and hearths that were used in rituals. Tarxien is different because of the intricate carvings, which include spirals and dots that were skilfully drilled into the stone.
Even though the site isn’t as well preserved as the others, work to protect it is still going on. It’s still a fun area to visit, especially if you’re interested in early religions and how people lived in communities.
The Giants of Gozo: The Ġgantija Temples
Don’t miss the Ġgantija Temples if you’re going to Gozo. These megalithic buildings are among the oldest and best-preserved in the world, dating back to roughly 3600 BCE. The name originates from a local story that says giants actually built them.
There are two temples on the site, and a huge wall built of stones that weigh more than 50 tonnes surrounds them. Their immensity and the work that must have gone into building them are hard to ignore.
The region is peaceful and beautiful, so it’s a fantastic place to relax and think about what life was like for the people who built them.
Hidden Gems: Skorba, Ta’ Ħaġrat & Kordin III
Want to see more than just the big attractions? There are many smaller, less well-known temples in Malta that are worth your attention.
- Skorba, in Mġarr, holds some of the earliest evidence of settlement on the islands.
- Ta’ Ħaġrat, also near Mġarr, was built using only local limestone and has a simple but striking structure.
- In Paola, Kordin III gives you a glimpse into everyday prehistoric life. You’ll find grinding stones, tools, and parts of a paved courtyard.
These quieter sites offer a more personal, relaxed experience, perfect if you’ve already seen the bigger names and want something different.
Helpful Tips for Your Temple Visits
- The ideal times to visit Malta’s old temples are in the spring or autumn, when the weather is nice and you may see the dawn at Mnajdra.
- Heritage Malta sells combination tickets that let you visit more than one location with just one ticket. Most big temples also include modest museums and audio guides.
- You’re in a terrific spot whether you’re staying in Sliema or Gżira. It’s easy to go to many of the temples by car or bus. If you’re going to Gozo, plan on spending a whole day there. If you’re just going to the southern temples, plan on spending half a day there.
Stay Close to History with ST Hotels
Malta’s old temples are more than just impressive remains; they connect us to a world that lived thousands of years ago. Each site contributes a new chapter to Malta’s story, from the perfect solar alignment of Mnajdra to the sculptures at Tarxien and the huge stones of Ġgantija.
Stay at one of ST Hotels’ stylish and comfortable sites in Sliema or Gżira to get the most out of your historical trip. You’ll be in a wonderful spot to learn about the island’s rich history because it’s easy to get around, the accommodations are modern, and there are places to eat nearby.
Book your stay with ST Hotels and step straight into history!
