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Skorba Temples

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Historical site
—°10
Skorba Temples (Malta)

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The Skorba Temples, located on the outskirts of the village of Żebbiegħ, are among the most significant megalithic structures in Malta for understanding the island's prehistoric chronology. Excavations carried out in the 1960s by David Trump revealed domestic remains dating back to the Għar Dalam phase around 5000 BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited sites on the archipelago. The complex consists of two main temples: the West Temple, built during the Ġgantija phase (c. 3600 BC), and the smaller East Temple, dating from the Tarxien phase (c. 3000 BC). What sets Skorba apart is the discovery of early Copper Age huts, providing rare evidence of the daily life and settlement patterns of the prehistoric inhabitants. In 1992, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta. The site remains a cornerstone of Maltese archaeology, illustrating the transition from early Neolithic domesticity to monumental ritual architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Skorba Temples are an archaeological site that can usually be visited. Access is via a small visitor center, and entry is paid.
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Typical hours
Opening hours follow typical museum hours, usually from morning until late afternoon. Typically, the site is closed on holidays and has shorter hours in winter.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed without flash to protect the delicate stone structures. For indoor shots, a tripod may be prohibited; inquire on site.
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Time needed
Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough visit of the temple ruins. If interested in history, allow one hour with an audio guide.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby San Ġwann Cart Ruts, just a few minutes' walk away. The easy on the eye village of Mġarr with its old houses is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
The temples are located on the outskirts of Mġarr and are reachable by car or bus. A small parking lot is directly at the visitor center.
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Insider tip
Get a combo ticket in advance that covers entry to several Maltese temples. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
35.92140, 14.37750

Facts

  • Initial settlement dates back to 5000 BC
  • Added to UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992
  • Excavated by David Trump between 1960-1963
  • Consists of West (3600 BC) and East (3000 BC) temples
  • Site of early Copper Age domestic hut remains
  • Crucial for dating the Għar Dalam phase

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vincent's Eco FarmVincent's Eco Farm<1 km · EExplore →
Ix-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba PlateauIx-Xagħra ta' l-Iskorba Plateau<1 km · WExplore →
Wardija HighlandWardija Highland2 km · NExplore →
Victoria Lines FaultVictoria Lines Fault2 km · SEExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay3 km · NWExplore →
Bahrija PlateauBahrija Plateau3 km · SExplore →
Ras il-Waħx CliffsRas il-Waħx Cliffs3 km · WExplore →
Il-Bidnija RidgeIl-Bidnija Ridge3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Skorba Temples (10)

It-Tempji ta' Skorba

The Skorba temples are megalithic temple remains in Malta.

Cart Ruts

The Cart Ruts are cart tracks carved into the rock.

Punic tombs

The Punic tombs are ancient burial sites.

Ta' Ħaġrat Temples

The Ta' Ħaġrat Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ta' Ħaġrat Temple

Ta' Ħaġrat Temple is a megalithic temple.

Saint Mary

Saint Mary is a church in Mġarr.

Zammittello Palace

Zammittello Palace is a 19th-century Victorian countryside villa on the outskirts of Mġarr.

Victoria Lines

The Victoria Lines are a fortification line with a view.

Hunters Hill

Hunters Hill is a viewpoint.

Nadur

Nadur is the second highest peak of Malta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old are the Skorba Temples?
They are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating to approx. 3600 BC.
Where exactly are the temples located?
They are located on the outskirts of the village of Żebbiegħ in northern Malta.
What is special about Skorba?
Important finds regarding the domestic life of the temple builders were made there.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is advisable to book in advance as the number of visitors is limited to protect the site.
Are they part of the UNESCO World Heritage?
Yes, Skorba is part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta on the World Heritage list.
Skorba Temples: where is it located?
Skorba Temples is located in Malta.
Skorba Temples: what is there to see?
Highlights include It-Tempji ta' Skorba, Cart Ruts, Punic tombs.
Skorba Temples: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Skorba Temples: why is it worth visiting?
The Skorba Temples, located on the outskirts of the village of Żebbiegħ, are among the most significant megalithic structures in Malta for understanding the island's prehistoric chronology.
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