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Ħaġar Qim

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Landmark
—°3
Ħaġar Qim (Malta)

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The megalithic sanctuary of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop on Malta's southern coast and is among the most significant prehistoric sites globally. Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, the complex is constructed from massive Globigerina limestone, with some monoliths weighing as much as 20 tons. Unlike many other temples in Malta, Ħaġar Qim features a series of interconnected chambers with beautifully carved doorways and altars. A highlight for visitors is its astronomical alignment: during the summer solstice, the sun's rays pass through a specific aperture to illuminate an internal altar. To safeguard the delicate stone from the elements, the entire complex is sheltered under a modern protective canopy. The on-site visitor center provides multimedia insights into the Neolithic construction techniques and displays replicas of famous artifacts like the 'Fat Lady' figurines. The site also provides sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the uninhabited islet of Filfla.

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
Yes, Ħaġar Qim is a protected archaeological site with a visitor centre. You can walk around the temple ruins.
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Typical hours
Typically open daily from 9:00 to 17:00; last admission 30 minutes before closing. Check seasonal variations.
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Photography
Photography is allowed. No flash inside the prehistoric temple structures to protect the stones.
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Time needed
Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple complex and the visitor centre exhibits.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby Mnajdra temples, just a short walk away. Also consider the Blue Grotto for a boat trip.
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Getting there
Located south of Malta, accessible by bus from Valletta (route 74) or by car. Parking available near the site.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. The site is exposed with little shade.

Geography

Population
3,148 (2026)
Coordinates
35.82778, 14.44222

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Built approx. 3600-3200 BC
  • Monolith weighing 20 tons
  • Summer solstice alignment
  • Southern coast location
  • Site of 'Fat Lady' figurines
  • Modern visitor center
  • Overlooks Filfla island

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ħaġar QimĦaġar Qim<1 km · EExplore →
Ghar LapsiGhar Lapsi2 km · WExplore →
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)2 km · NExplore →
Vincenti TowerVincenti Tower3 km · NEExplore →
Xarolla WindmillXarolla Windmill3 km · EExplore →
LWS Animal ParkLWS Animal Park4 km · NWExplore →
Wied tal-LuqWied tal-Luq4 km · NWExplore →
KirkopKirkop4 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ħaġar Qim (3)

Inland Sea📍 landmark

Landlocked lagoon connected to the sea by a natural tunnel, near Hagar Qim.

diving site Għar Lapsi📍 landmark

Popular diving site at Għar Lapsi with underwater caves and clear waters.

Providence Chapel📍 landmark

A 1772 chapel near the prehistoric Ħaġar Qim temples.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Ħaġar Qim temple?
It dates back to the Ggantija phase (c. 3600-3200 BC), making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Why is the temple covered?
A modern tent-like canopy protects the soft limestone stones from erosion caused by wind, rain, and sun.
Can Ħaġar Qim be combined with other temples?
Yes, Mnajdra Temples are located just 500 meters away and are included in the same entrance ticket.
What are the opening hours?
Generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer) or until 5:00 PM (winter).
Is there an on-site museum?
Yes, there is an excellent visitor center with an interactive exhibition and a 4D film about the temples.
Ħaġar Qim: where is it located?
Ħaġar Qim is located in Malta.
Ħaġar Qim: what is there to see?
Highlights include Inland Sea, diving site Għar Lapsi, Providence Chapel.
Ħaġar Qim: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ħaġar Qim: why is it worth visiting?
The megalithic sanctuary of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop on Malta's southern coast and is among the most significant prehistoric sites globally.
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Nearby cities

Qrendi — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Qrendi
Qrendi is a village in the southwest, famous for its proximity to the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, and the Blue Grotto.
Kirkop — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Kirkop
Kirkop is a small village near the airport, known for its menhir and other minor archaeological remains.
Żebbuġ, Malta — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Żebbuġ, Malta
Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.
Pietà — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Pietà
Pietà is a small town on the outskirts of Valletta, known for its former Royal Navy hospital and its marina.
Mosta — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Mosta
Mosta is famous for its Rotunda, commonly known as the Mosta Dome, which has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.

History & landmarks

Ghar Lapsi — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Ghar Lapsi
A natural cove and cave system, popular with swimmers and divers.
Malta International Airport — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Malta International Airport
The only international airport in the Maltese Islands.
Santa Luċija Parish Church — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Santa Luċija Parish Church
The parish church at the heart of the Santa Luċija residential estate.
Marsa Horse Racing Track — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Marsa Horse Racing Track
The primary venue for horse racing in Malta.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.
Pretty Bay — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Pretty Bay
A large sandy beach in the heart of the town.

Nature

Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
🗺️
Mtaħleb Valley
A fertile valley that slopes down to the sea, home to one of Malta's few streams.
Victoria Lines Fault — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

More places

Ħaġar Qim — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Ħaġar Qim
Megalithic temple complex.
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi) — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)
The area around Siggiewi and Qrendi is the center of Malta's limestone quarrying industry.
Vincenti Tower — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Vincenti Tower
A privately owned fortified tower built as a residence.
Xarolla Windmill — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Xarolla Windmill
A restored 18th-century windmill.
LWS Animal Park — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
LWS Animal Park
A small animal park with a variety of animals, including tigers and monkeys.
Wied tal-Luq — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Wied tal-Luq
A valley near Buskett known for its rich biodiversity.
Concrete Batching Plants — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Concrete Batching Plants
Several plants across the island produce concrete for the construction industry.
Filfla Island — Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Filfla Island
A small, uninhabited islet that is an important seabird reserve, especially for the Yelkouan shearwater.