Tarxien Temples
Tarxien Temples
Tarxien Temples
4
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
880 within 3 miles

Panormus
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0.3 mi$ • Mediterranean

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0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean
Pad Thai Express
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0.5 miFast Food • Asian • Thai • Street Food
Attractions
383 within 6 miles

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
1,302
0.3 miAncient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

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0.3 miShopping Malls

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1.3 miMilitary Museums
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2
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals

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390
1.8 miHistoric Sites

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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
666 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
252
Average
137
Poor
44
Terrible
19
richardemail
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK444 contributions
May 2022
Interesting site in easy walk of the Hypogeum so definitely do both. It is well laid out and presented, and definitely very accessible, but we did feel that there was just a bit too much modern restoration and reproduction. It was difficult to find any view without sight of modern mortar or what looked like concrete. It would also be better with some of the finds put on display on site.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RicherTrips
Monterrey, Mexico3,428 contributions
Jan 2022
If you are in Paola, it´s probably because you will visit the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum; they´re birds of a feather.
What to visit first depends on your scheduled visit to the Hypogeum, but I would suggest to visit the Archeological Museum before any of these.
It´s not the oldest or best preserved Megalithic Monument, but it´s easier to reach, being so close to Valletta.
Take your time to wander around the gangways.
What to visit first depends on your scheduled visit to the Hypogeum, but I would suggest to visit the Archeological Museum before any of these.
It´s not the oldest or best preserved Megalithic Monument, but it´s easier to reach, being so close to Valletta.
Take your time to wander around the gangways.
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WeHa 98
Aschaffenburg, Germany247 contributions
Jul 2021
It's really difficult to get my head around the age of this structure - I mean there was just so much going on here so long ago!!! Much of this is in tact to the point where you can easily make out the features. I loved seeing the decorative features still remaining and also the tables and alters within. To see the ruins of a highly developed structure that predates the pyramids is amazing! Loved the fact that it is also undercover so you can really take your time out of the sun.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bwanaalan
Salisbury, UK241 contributions
Feb 2020
The unassuming entrance from a suburban street gives no clue to the magnificence of the site. There are good explanations along the signed walkway which takes you first around the perimeter and then past key points across the interior of the structures.
The site is good preparation for a visit to Hagar Qim / Mnajdra. Sadly (as a Wiltshire resident) I felt that it made Stonehenge seem rather less striking.
We found the place easily by following signs from near the Hypogeum.
The site is good preparation for a visit to Hagar Qim / Mnajdra. Sadly (as a Wiltshire resident) I felt that it made Stonehenge seem rather less striking.
We found the place easily by following signs from near the Hypogeum.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael S
Cardiff, UK135 contributions
Jan 2020
I combined a trip to Tarxien Temples with a visit to the nearby Hypogeum, travelling by the excellent bus network from Sliema. I'm glad I did my research of routes and bus stops beforehand so I knew where to alight and walk. The Temples are actually quite well signposted from Paola and Tarxien bus stops, although tucked away amongst the backstreets.
The remains are set amidst wild flowers and trees and when I arrived at 10am all I could hear was birdsong! The office staff were welcoming and, though I chose not to pay for an audio guide, I spent an hour just mooching around the decking walkways marvelling at the masonry up to five thousand years old with the help of the information panels. You can get right amongst the stones, too.
The protective canopies are tasteful and don't detract from the experience, and even the toilets were clean. At 6 Euros I'd say it was well worth the admission price.
The remains are set amidst wild flowers and trees and when I arrived at 10am all I could hear was birdsong! The office staff were welcoming and, though I chose not to pay for an audio guide, I spent an hour just mooching around the decking walkways marvelling at the masonry up to five thousand years old with the help of the information panels. You can get right amongst the stones, too.
The protective canopies are tasteful and don't detract from the experience, and even the toilets were clean. At 6 Euros I'd say it was well worth the admission price.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
richard
Rathangan, Ireland1,089 contributions
Apr 2022
Not as historically significant as the Ä gantija temples in Gozo but the site is more 'accessible', well out with informative notice boards/audio guide. If you are a 'purest', you may not like the repro/reconstruction aspects, but it certainly adds to the lay persons understanding. For me, well worth a visit. Fits in well with a visit to the Hypogeum.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonathan D
London, UK179 contributions
Aug 2021
From our understanding this is the best preserved of the various temples.
I love history and wouldn't say your mind will be blown, but, if you're visiting the Hypogeum (which you must do) then you can wander over here at the same time. It's well laid out and some interesting bits.
I love history and wouldn't say your mind will be blown, but, if you're visiting the Hypogeum (which you must do) then you can wander over here at the same time. It's well laid out and some interesting bits.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JeanneCristello
Philadelphia, PA79 contributions
Nov 2019
After visiting the ancient site of the Hypogeum, I was encouraged to visit the other nearby ancient site, the Tarxien Temples. A short walk from the Hypogeum rests the ruins of a temple built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples were used by the people of Malta until 1500 BC. The Tarxien Temples are a complex of four temples, the South Temple, East Temple, Central Temple, and SouthEast Temple. A guided tour app will take you through these ruins where you will see evidence of fire ceremonies burned into old stone walls, patterns carved into stones like shown below, and even portions of what once was a giant statue, also seen below. The Tarxien Temples are another example of the tremulously advanced structures that stood the test of time in Malta.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WMBandit
Shanghai, China1,834 contributions
Jan 2020
6 euros for admission- cute entrance and place to buy great souvenirs and food. Auido guides and free informative pamphlets for Tarxien Temple. Nice walk around the complex to see the ancient structures. Smack in the middle of residential area and a local cemetery, the temple is easy to get to with Malta's great bus network. Love the spirals and faint bulls and sow engravements. Last admission 4:30pm
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toby
London, UK49 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This was the first megalithic temple complex that we visited in Malta and was a lovely introduction! The site is covered and very well preserved. There were lots of informative guides placed around and you’re able to walk through the temple itself on modern walkways and get a feel for the ancient building. It’s half the price of the hypogeum which we didn’t bother with in the end and was a super easy way to pass an hour.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi! I'm really keen on prehistoric temples and ruins of any kind. I find your comment really teasing so I put Taxiren Tempels as must do. Could You give me any information how to get there from Valeta by public transport if You have done it this way.
Mary T
Buenos Aires, Argentina2,726 contributions
Sorry. Don’t know. We had a car. But they are in the city itself, so there must be buses... Don’t miss the Hypogeum, which is only a few blocks away (you need to reserve online beforehand for it).
If you can get there (maybe take a tour), you would also love the Ggantija Temples on Gozo Island. They are similar to the Tarxien, but in an outdoor setting with no roofing.
You might also want to consider renting a car.
Swazzer C
Stockholm, Sweden32 contributions
Hey, i have two options.
I dont know if i should see the Tarxien temple or the Ggantija temple. Wich one is more "amazing" and more worthy to see?
How long does it take to look around this site? I'm thinking of seeing it after the Hypogeum but don't have masses of time. Thanks.
gddeluca
Burlington, Canada119 contributions
Hi, I'm a bit handicapped (Can't walk too far and need to use a cane) and we managed it in under an hour, including some time in the gift shop. It depends a lot on your own interest level, how many pictures you take, etc. but an hour should easily do most people.
vanessa031
Southampton, UK46 contributions
hi is the hypogeum near the Tarxien temple or is nearer Valletta?
Thanks
NautiusMaximus
London2,260 contributions
If you're talking about the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (which you probably are: that's the famous and amazing one), then it's a short walk from the Tarxien temples. Neither is walking distance from Valetta: you'll need a bus or a taxi to get from Valetta.
I believe there may be another hypogeum somewhere in Malta, but that's probably not the one you're interested in.
It's well worth visiting the Hypogeum and the Tarxien temples on the same day, as they are so close. Please be aware that you can't just turn up to the Hypogeum and expect to get in: you need to book in advance, and quite probably several months in advance. Tickets are strictly limited.
There is no need to book for the Tarxien temples. Just turn up and have a look round.
Sharon G
1,262 contributions
Is there an audio guide so that we will understand the site?
How much is it to enter and how long does it take to go round the site?
Myke C
Nottinghamshire, UK197 contributions
Yes there are audio guides in several languages which seem to be accessed via a phone 'app', and you scan codes at each info board. I overheard one from another visitor, and it was just parroting what was on the board. Potentially useful if you're Malti or English speaking, though not sure what languages it's available in.
fcojavierjs
Ubeda, Spain71 contributions
Buenos dÃas, cuanto se tarda en hacer esta visita los que habéis estado, gracias.
Arriaga25
Puerto de la Cruz, Spain489 contributions
Yo creo que en 45 minutos está bien vista. Luego ya cada uno puede ser más rápido o más lento dependiendo del interés personal.
Un saludo
David B
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Is hypogeum still closed to public? Planning to visit oct 2017.
westy54
Sydney, Australia7,496 contributions
Hypogeum was reopened in May/June 2017. We visited in June 2017 having booked tickets online which is strongly recommended that anyone intending to visit should do at least 2 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarxien Temples
- Tarxien Temples is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Tarxien Temples tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Tarxien Temples tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tarxien Temples:
- (0.26 mi) The Burrow Guest House
- (0.25 mi) Kikka B&B
- (0.26 mi) Anthony's Home Stay
- (0.26 mi) Kristu re
- (1.07 mi) BOCO Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Tarxien Temples:
- (0.06 mi) Patakkus
- (0.25 mi) Panormus
- (0.23 mi) The Green Bean Cafe' & Restaurant
- (0.28 mi) Traffic Lights Cafe'
- (0.29 mi) Maxims Pastizzeria