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Paola
ℹ️Practical info — Paola
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book tickets for the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum several weeks or months in advance, as visitor numbers are strictly limited.
- Visit the nearby Tarxien Temples, which are within easy walking distance from the city center.
- The recently renovated main square, Pjazza Antoine de Paule, is a great spot for coffee and people-watching.
- Visit on a Friday morning to see the large open-air market that fills the surrounding streets.
- Paola is a major transport hub; use the central bus stops to easily reach most destinations in the south of Malta.
🍽 Food
Try these savory pies filled with peas or ricotta from the bakeries surrounding the main square.
Look for traditional Maltese eateries near the temples for an authentic rabbit stew experience.
Buy these deep-fried date pastries from street stalls, especially during the Friday market.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
One of Malta's largest open-air markets, great for clothing, household goods, and local produce.
The area around the square features many well-known international brands and local shoe shops.
Admire the intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere of this hilltop site.
A small, well-kept garden near the temples, good for a quiet break in the shade.
Water temperature…
Paola, known in Maltese as Raħal Ġdid, was founded in 1626 by Grand Master Antoine de Paule and named in his honour. The town is a major cultural and historical hub in southeastern Malta, primarily renowned for the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This underground prehistoric sanctuary and necropolis dates back to between 3300 and 2500 BC and is considered one of the finest examples of Neolithic craftsmanship globally. In addition to the Hypogeum, Paola is home to the Kordin Temples, another set of megalithic structures from the same era. The town's skyline is dominated by the monumental Basilica of Christ the King, one of Malta's largest churches, built between 1923 and 1959. Throughout the 20th century, Paola developed into a bustling commercial centre and transport node. It also hosts the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque, the only official mosque in Malta, and the Addolorata Cemetery, the country's largest burial ground, noted for its intricate neo-Gothic architecture.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Tempji ta' Kordin · Mariam Al-Batool Mosque · Parish Church of Christ the King
- Nearby: Kirkop (4 km)
- Population: ~8.706
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 |
Geography
Facts
- The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum was discovered by accident in 1902 by a stone mason.
- Paola was officially founded on July 20, 1626, on the Grand Master's estate.
- The Basilica of Christ the King is one of the largest and tallest churches in Malta.
- Addolorata Cemetery was inaugurated in 1869 and features a landmark chapel spire.
- The town is the headquarters of Hibernians FC, one of Malta's top football clubs.
- Paola is home to the only Islamic cemetery in the Maltese islands.
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.
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Sights in the town Paola (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important sight?
Do you need to book the Hypogeum in advance?
What else is there to see in Paola?
Is there a mosque there?
Is Paola a shopping center?
Paola: where is it located?
Paola: what is there to see?
Paola: when is the best time to visit?
Paola: why is it worth visiting?
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