Tarxien Temples, Birgu

Historic Building in Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White

The Tarxien Temples are one of the top attractions in Tarxien for anyone curious about Malta's mysterious prehistoric world. Dating back to around 3400-2800 BC, this complex of four interconnected temple structures showcases the island's most elaborate Neolithic carvings, architectural design, and ritual spaces. Hidden within a modern suburban setting, the site offers a striking contrast between everyday Maltese life and a civilisation that flourished more than 5,000 years ago.

With its monumental stone blocks, spiral motifs, carved animals, and the remains of Malta’s largest prehistoric statue, the complex is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Tarxien or as part of a wider Megalithic Temples itinerary. Protective shelters now cover much of the site, allowing visitors to wander among its chambers while imagining the ceremonies, beliefs, and craftsmanship that defined this ancient culture.

History and Significance of Tarxien Temples
Things to See and Do in Tarxien Temples
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Tarxien Temples
Where to Stay close to Tarxien Temples
Is Tarxien Temples Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Tarxien Temples

History and Significance of Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples were uncovered in 1913 when a local farmer unearthed massive stones while ploughing his field. Excavations led by Sir Themistocles Zammit between 1915 and 1919 revealed four distinct temple units arranged around a central court. The discovery transformed Malta's understanding of its Neolithic past and marked the beginning of scientific archaeology on the island.

Built between 3400 and 2800 BC, the Tarxien Temples represent the height of Malta's temple-building culture, with more sophisticated decoration and architectural planning than earlier sites like Ġgantija or Mnajdra. Intricate carvings of spirals, domestic animals, altars, stone screens, and statue fragments indicate a highly symbolic and ritual-oriented society. The temples were likely used for ceremonial purposes, possibly linked to fertility or seasonal cycles.

In 1992, the site was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Malta’s Megalithic Temples, recognising its outstanding universal value and cultural importance.

Things to See and Do in Tarxien Temples

Visitors can explore the four temple units connected by pathways that guide you through chambers, altars, and carved stone screens. The most remarkable features include the relief carvings of a bull and a sow - the only known animal reliefs from Malta’s prehistoric temples.

One of the site’s highlights is the colossal statue fragment, believed to represent a large human figure, possibly linked to ceremonial rituals. The intricately carved spiral motifs found throughout the temples reflect artistic skill and symbolic meaning, though their exact purpose remains a mystery.

Many of the most delicate stone slabs have been moved to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, but the originals left on site still provide a powerful sense of place. The protective shelters allow comfortable exploration in all seasons.

How to Get There

The Tarxien Temples are located within the residential town of Tarxien, easily reached by bus from Valletta and other parts of Malta. Walking from nearby Paola is also straightforward. Travelling by car is simple, with street parking available around the site.

Practical Tips on Visiting Tarxien Temples

Best time to visit Tarxien Temples: Morning or late afternoon for pleasant temperatures and softer light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Standard Heritage Malta rates apply.
Opening hours: Typically open daily; check Heritage Malta for seasonal variations.
Official website: heritagemalta.mt
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: Pathways are generally flat and sheltered, suitable for most visitors.
Facilities: Visitor centre, restrooms, and small exhibition panels on site.
Photography tip: Spiral motifs and carved animal reliefs offer excellent close-up shots.
Guided tours: Audio guides and occasional expert-led tours available via Heritage Malta.
Nearby food options: Cafés and eateries are available in nearby Paola and Tarxien.

Where to Stay close to Tarxien Temples

Although Tarxien itself is mainly residential, nearby areas offer convenient accommodation options with easy access to the temples and the rest of Malta. Travellers looking for boutique comfort can stay in Birgu at Locanda La Gelsomina, just a short drive away. For harbour views and luxury, Cugó Gran Macina Malta is another excellent choice. Visitors based in Valletta can also reach Tarxien easily from Casa Asti.

Is Tarxien Temples Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Tarxien Temples offer an extraordinary glimpse into Malta's oldest civilisation. Their artistry, symbolism, and architectural sophistication make them an essential stop for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, or anyone intrigued by ancient cultures.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (3,931)

Ħal-Tarxien Prehistoric Complex preserves the remains of four megalithic temples featuring decorated stone blocks, reliefs, massive statues and altars; visitors praise the well-preserved site, clear information panels and downloadable audio guide that break the visit into sections, plus raised wooden paths and sunshades that protect the structures while letting you walk through and explore at your own pace. The site includes a small shop and clean restrooms, and staff are noted as helpful; some visitors mention ticket machines and combined-visit packages, and a garden project cultivating local plants that could use more interpretive labels.

MUSEUM HAUS

a month ago

"Good audio and signs when it comes to the prehistorical part. A small shop (you have to buy the tickets at a machine, there are also packages you canbuy from that machine that will combine entrance fees to other sites). Would love to see some more info about the garden and that project in the future...."

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A a Zobel

2 months ago

"Wonderful opportunity to visit one of the oldest buildings in the world. The solution of the wooden path flowing through the temple is a nice way toallow people to walk through the temple without anyone actually touching the structures. I applaud the project of growing local plants in the garden in an attempt to educate the public, but I would like to see more information plaques about the species growing in the garden, including latin names. Overall a nice and educational experience and the visit does not take too long...."

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Emma Boxall

3 months ago

"Brilliant. Really beautifully preserved historical site, with plenty of information booths, and a downloadable audio guide (in many languages) brokendown into sections, so you can listen to specific information of interest. 10/10 would recommend. It was fascinating to read all of the information and history of Malta from this site, and the way they have outlined the paths means you can meander through seeing everything without risking damaging the site. The large sunshade over the site was also helpful (visited in high summer!). It is so peaceful and relaxing here, I really enjoyed being able to wander round at my own pace. Some really interesting finds to read about. Really cheap to get in, €6 /adult. Nice selection of gifts in the shop, including a chilled drinks cabinet. Restrooms were clean. It’s easy to walk around (unsure if it would be wheelchair accessible)...."

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FAQs for Visiting

Most structures are original, though some decorated slabs have been relocated for preservation.

The fragment is displayed on site, while related artefacts are held in the National Museum of Archaeology.

Yes, the sheltered walkways and clear signage make it suitable for visitors of all ages.

Not usually, though booking may help during peak season.

Yes, modern protective shelters cover the site.

Nearby Attractions to Tarxien Temples

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: A unique underground Neolithic complex with limited daily entry.
Paola Parish Church: A striking basilica dominating the town square.
Vittoriosa (Birgu): A historic city filled with Knightly fortifications and museums.
Marsa Racecourse: One of Malta’s key sporting venues.
National Museum of Archaeology (Valletta): Home to many original Tarxien carvings and artefacts.

The Tarxien Temples appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Birgu!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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