Plizio Visual Lab

Tarxien Temples

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Tarxien Temples are a significant prehistoric megalithic complex in Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Consisting of four separate structures built between 3600 and 2500 BC, the site represents the peak of temple building in the Maltese islands. The ruins were discovered in 1913 by local farmers, and systematic excavations were carried out between 1915 and 1919 under the direction of Sir Themistocles Zammit. The site is particularly renowned for its elaborate stone carvings, including reliefs of domestic animals and the lower half of a colossal 'Mother Goddess' statue. The temples served as ritual centers for animal sacrifice and worship during the Temple Period, as evidenced by the discovery of stone altars and flint tools. In the later Bronze Age, the site was repurposed as a cremation cemetery. Tarxien provides an unparalleled window into the technological and artistic capabilities of a society that worked massive limestone blocks without the use of metal tools.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Ħal Tarxien Temples · Madonna tar-Rużarju · Parish Church of Christ the King
Nearby: Ta' Xbiex (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

🚪

Visiting

The Tarxien Temples are an excavated archaeological site open to visitors. The area is covered, allowing you to explore the stone carvings and structures indoors.

🕒

Typical hours

The temples are typically open daily, with exact hours varying by season. It is best to check the official website for current opening times.

📷

Photography

Photography without flash is allowed inside the temples to protect the delicate stonework. Some areas may restrict photography; please follow signs.

⏱️

Time needed

Allow about one hour to thoroughly explore the three temple sections. If you also visit the small on-site museum, add 30 minutes.

➕

Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, just a few kilometres away. The town of Paola with other historical sites is also close.

🧭

Getting there

The temples are easily reached by car, with parking nearby. From Valletta, buses 80 and 81 go directly to the Tarxien stop.

💡

Insider tip

Visit the site early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Wear sturdy footwear as the walkways can be uneven.

Geography

Coordinates

35.86970, 14.51170

Facts

The temple complex dates back to between 3600 and 2500 BC.
The site was discovered in 1913 while farmers were plowing a field.
It consists of four distinct megalithic structures.
Tarxien was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980.
Sir Themistocles Zammit led the excavations starting in 1915.
Evidence of animal sacrifice was found in the form of bones and stone altars.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tarxien<1 km · SEExplore →

Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker1 km · NWExplore →

St. Helen's Gate1 km · NEExplore →

Bulebel Industrial Estate2 km · SEExplore →

Luqa2 km · SWExplore →

The Sea Shell House2 km · SExplore →

Valletta Waterfront2 km · NExplore →

Malta Dairy Products3 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tarxien Temples (10)

Ħal Tarxien Temples

Prehistoric archaeological complex in Tarxien, Malta.

♿

Madonna tar-Rużarju

Wayside shrine in Malta, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Parish Church of Christ the King

Church building in Paola, Malta, dedicated to Christ the King.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum🏛 museum

Neolithic subterranean structure in Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🌐 heritagemalta.org🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00💶

Public Garden

Public garden in Malta, green space for recreation.

Church of Saint Ubaldeska

Church in Malta, dedicated to Saint Ubaldesca.

Trudy Gera Art Studio

Art studio in Malta, workshop and gallery of painter Trudy Gera.

Mariam Al-Batool Mosque

Mosque in Paola, Malta, serving the Muslim community.

Tempji ta' Kordin

Temples in Malta, a prehistoric megalithic archaeological site.

Estate agent Dhalia

Real estate agency in Malta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old are the Tarxien Temples?

The temple complex dates back to between 3600 and 2500 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

It is recommended, especially in high season, but tickets are usually available on-site as well.

How long does a typical visit take?

Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to explore the site and the small visitor center.

What is the most famous feature of the site?

Famous are the detailed stone reliefs of animals and fragments of a colossal mother goddess statue.

Is there shade on the grounds?

A modern canopy protects the temples from sun and rain, so most of the walk is shaded.

Tarxien Temples: where is it located?

Tarxien Temples is located in Malta.

Tarxien Temples: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ħal Tarxien Temples, Madonna tar-Rużarju, Parish Church of Christ the King.

Tarxien Temples: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Tarxien Temples: why is it worth visiting?

The Tarxien Temples are a significant prehistoric megalithic complex in Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →