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The list below consists of prehistoric sites and temples that can be found in Malta and Gozo.
- Borg in-Nadur Temples, Birzebbuga
Borġ in-Nadur site contains a megalithic temple
as well as the remains of a Bronze Age village. It is in a unique place between two valleys overlooking the bay of Birżebbuġa (in the southern part of Malta), on the right-hand side of the road leading from Għar Dalam to Birżebbuġa Bay.
- Bronze Age Wall, Birzebbuga
The Maltese Islands are scarred with hundreds, if not thousands, of parallel lines seemingly cut deep into the stone that leave more questions than answers. The most popular area in Malta for them is Clapham Junction (Misrah Ghar il-Kbir as it is known by the Maltese) due to the high number in total, multiple pairs beside each other for some unknown reason and that they even intersect each other in crazy spaghetti junctions.
- Ġgantija Temples, Xagħra, Gozo
Until recently, Ġgantija was thought to be the oldest free-standing archaeological monument in the World, being older than such sites as Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Turkish site of Göbekli Tepe is now thought to pre-date the Ġgantija Temples. The name of the temples stems from the word ġgant, which is Maltese for giant. The reason for this is because the people of the island once believe that the temples were built by a race of giants as the blocks that have been used to create the temples are pretty impressive in their size, in fact, some of them are bigger than 5 metres in length and weigh as much as 50 tonnes!
- Għar Dalam, Birżebbuġa
Għar Dalam Cave (or Cave of Darkness) is a very important find as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered. It contains the bones of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct on Malta at the end of the last ice age. The site consists of a cave and a museum. The museum at the entrance contains an exhibition hall with displays on how the cave was formed and how the remains of such animals came to be found here and their development in response to local conditions, as they evolved in different ways to such creatures elsewhere. In the older part of the museum are display cases mounted with thousands and thousands of bones and teeth. Beyond the museum, one can walk down a path that leads to the cave, where a walkway leads 50 metres into the cavern.
- Għar il-Kbir, Dingli
Għar il-Kbir is a set of large caves that were probably initially formed by rainwater percolation through the limestone. They were then further enlarged by people to serve as their dwellings. In fact, during the 16th Century, it is noted within a number of deeds that some inhabitants used to reside in the caves and in the surrounding areas. At some point in history, part of the caves' roofs seem to have collapsed.
- Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples, Qrendi
The megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are the best preserved of Malta's prehistoric sites, with an unparalleled location atop sea cliffs. Permanent tent-like canopies have been erected over the temples to protect them from the elements. Hagar Qim is a fascinating site with 2 large temples and a modern visitors centre. The site is impressive since you can physically touch and walk around the large stones unlike Stonehenge in England. The surrounding area, which is typical of Mediterranean garigue, is designated a Heritage Park.
- Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, Paola
The Hypogeum (from the Greek, meaning 'underground') is a 6,000-year-old underground burial chamber with a network of alcoves and corridors carved into soft limestone. It is one of the world’s best-preserved prehistoric sites. Entrance tickets have to be bought in advance as only 80 people a day and 10 an hour can visit the site. Try to book around three months before your visit.
- Ta’ Ħagrat Temples, Mġarr
The Ta' Ħaġrat temples in Mġarr, Malta is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. Although Ta’ Ħaġrat is a very small site compared to other temples in Malta and Gozo, it still offers interesting insights into Neolithic temple building as the doorway and facade are very particular and impressive and the location of the temples offers magnificent countryside views of rural Malta.
- Tas-Silġ, Marsaxlokk
Tas-Silġ is a rounded hilltop overlooking Marsaxlokk Bay. It is a multi-period sanctuary site covering all eras from Neolithic to the fourth century AD, and due to this it indicates to archaeologists several different layers of excavation. The site takes its name from the nearby chapel dedicated to ‘Madonna Tas-Silġ’ meaning 'Our Lady of the Snow'.
- Tarxien Temples, Tarxien
The Megalithic Temples of Tarxien, constructed at the height of the Temple Period, consist of four structures built out of enormous stone blocks. It is the largest known prehistoric site in Malta. They are a witness to the culmination of prehistoric art, architecture and ritual practices in late Neolithic Malta. They are one of the most unique temples in the world due to their sophisticated and precise designs. They are situated a mere 400 metres away from the Hypogeum in Paola.
- Domvs Romana
This is the remains of a 1st-century aristocratic Roman town house. Although very little still stands of the original house, some of its incredible mosaic floors are still intact. In fact, they are one of the best examples of Hellenistic style mosaics found today. On display at the on-site museum, one can find domestic artifacts and antiquities, including a collection of Roman-era glass perfume bottles and ornate hairpins, giving a glimpse of daily life of a wealthy Roman family.
- St Paul’s Catacombs
St. Paul’s Catacombs (so-named for their proximity to the church) are the largest and most impressive of all the underground Roman cemeteries in Malta. The first burial dates to the third century BC with the tombs continuing to be used until the 4th century AD. A visit to the catacombs takes visitors down into a complex system of interconnected passageways and ancient burial chambers. Admission includes a self-guided, 45-minute audio tour, available from the site's recently added visitor centre.
- St Agatha's Catacombs
These catacombs are one of the oldest places of Christian worship on Malta. Although not as popular as St Paul’s Catacombs, St Agatha’s historical complex attracts a lot of tourists interested in archeaology and in the history of early Christianity. The complex includes mysterious catacombs with ancient tombs and the fabulous St Agatha’s crypt with age-old frescoes. The visit is a guided tour of around 15 to 20 minutes but very enjoyable, fascinating and well worth a visit.
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