Ħaġar Qim, Qrendi — the cliff-top megalithic temple (UNESCO)

What is Ħaġar Qim?

Ħaġar Qim is a Neolithic temple complex built of globigerina limestone on a ridge overlooking the sea in the south of Malta. One of the best-known of the Maltese temples, it is celebrated both for the great size of some of its megaliths and for the richness of the carved and portable finds recovered there.

Where is Ħaġar Qim?

The temple stands on high ground above the southern cliffs within the limits of Qrendi, facing the small islet of Filfla out to sea. The temple of Mnajdra lies about 500 metres downhill, and the two are visited together from a shared centre.

History of Ħaġar Qim

Ħaġar Qim was built around 3600–3200 BC and used over a long period. It was excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing decorated altars, stone pillars and figurines — including the so-called 'Venus of Malta' — many of which are now displayed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Because the soft globigerina limestone weathers badly, a protective tent canopy was erected over the temple in 2009.

What to see at Ħaġar Qim

• The great megaliths — among the largest single stones used in any Maltese temple.
• Carved altars and pillars — decorated stonework inside the apses.
• The 'porthole' doorways — characteristic openings cut through slabs.
• Views to Filfla — the temple's dramatic coastal setting.

Significance

Ħaġar Qim shows the ambition of Malta's temple builders, both in the scale of the stones they moved and in the artistry of the objects they made. Together with neighbouring Mnajdra it forms one of the most visited and most studied temple landscapes in the Maltese islands.

Visiting Ħaġar Qim

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra share a Heritage Malta visitor centre and are usually visited on a single ticket. Opening hours and prices vary seasonally and should be confirmed with Heritage Malta before visiting. A walk of a few minutes links the two temples across open ground.