Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

Step back more than 5,000 years and explore two of Malta’s most remarkable archaeological treasures, the prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Older than the pyramids of Egypt, these megalithic structures stand as enduring testaments to the ingenuity and spirituality of Malta’s earliest inhabitants.

Ħaġar Qim is perched on a scenic hilltop overlooking a valley and the Mediterranean Sea. A short walk downhill brings you to Mnajdra, a sister temple complex built with the same remarkable skill and precision.

Constructed entirely without the use of modern tools or machinery, these ancient temples are composed of massive limestone blocks, some weighing several tons. Their doorways and chambers reveal sophisticated architectural design, and remnants of decorative carvings, now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, hint at the ceremonial life of their builders.

Mnajdra is especially fascinating for its astronomical alignment: during the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight shines directly through its main doorway to illuminate specific interior stones, evidence of a deep understanding of the solar cycle.

Today, both sites are preserved under protective shelters to guard against the elements.

Admission Prices:

• Adults (18+): €10.00

• Senior Citizens (60+): €7.50

• Youths (12–17): €7.50

• Concessions & Students: €7.50

• Children (6–11): €5.50

• Infants (1–5): Free

• Heritage Malta Members: Free

• Heritage Malta Passport Holders: Free