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Kirkop Menhir
The Kirkop Menhir, popularly known as 'It-Tfajla' (The Girl), is one of the few remaining prehistoric standing stones on the Maltese Islands. Located on the outskirts of the village of Kirkop, this monolith is believed to date back to the Temple Period of Maltese prehistory, roughly between 3600 and 2500 BC. Standing at approximately 3.1 meters in height, the menhir is carved from a single block of globigerina limestone. While its original purpose is not definitively known, archaeologists suggest it may have served a ritualistic function, acted as a boundary marker, or held astronomical significance. The area surrounding the stone has also yielded Punic tombs, indicating the site's importance across different eras of antiquity. Now preserved within a small landscaped area, the Kirkop Menhir stands as a rare and silent witness to Malta's ancient megalithic culture.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Parish Church of Saint Leonard · Kirkop Menħir · Airport Runway Viewpoint
- Nearby: Birżebbuġa (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The standing stone measures approximately 3.1 meters in height.
- Dates back to the Temple Period, circa 3600–2500 BC.
- Known in the local Maltese language as 'It-Tfajla'.
- Carved from a single large block of globigerina limestone.
- Punic shaft tombs were discovered in the immediate vicinity.
- One of the few prehistoric menhirs still standing in its original site.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kirkop Menhir (10)
Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl
The parish church of St. Paul in Kirkop, Malta.
Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla
Early Christian underground burial chambers in Żurrieq, Malta.
Monument Santa Katarina V.M.
A monument dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Kirkop.
Il-Mitħna tax-Xarolla
A windmill in Żurrieq, Malta, dating from the 18th century.
Visitor terrace Malta International Airport
Observation terrace at Malta Airport, offering views of the runway.
Chapel of the Annunciation
The Chapel of the Annunciation in Żurrieq, Malta, is a Catholic church building.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kirkop Menhir?
How old is the menhir?
Where exactly can the stone be found?
Are there explanations there?
Is access to the menhir free?
Kirkop Menhir: where is it located?
Kirkop Menhir: what is there to see?
Kirkop Menhir: when is the best time to visit?
Kirkop Menhir: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
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