Mnajdra, Qrendi — the megalithic temple of the sun (UNESCO)

What is Mnajdra?

Mnajdra is a group of three Neolithic temples set in a hollow above the sea on Malta's southern coast. It is one of the most atmospheric of the Maltese temples and is especially noted for the solar alignment of its lower temple, which shows that its builders observed and marked the movement of the sun.

Where is Mnajdra?

Mnajdra lies near the coast within the limits of Qrendi, about 500 metres downhill from Ħaġar Qim, looking out toward the islet of Filfla. The two temples share a visitor centre and a short walking path.

History of Mnajdra

Mnajdra was built around 3600–3200 BC, in the same great age of temple building as Ħaġar Qim and Ġgantija. Excavated from the 19th century onward, it consists of three temples of different dates and plans. Its remote coastal position helped preserve it, though like the other temples it is now sheltered by a protective canopy installed in 2009.

The solar alignment

The lower temple of Mnajdra is built so that, at the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun shines straight through the main doorway along the central axis; at the summer and winter solstices the sunlight instead strikes the edges of the doorway and the stones to either side. This careful alignment is one of the clearest signs that Malta's temple builders tracked the solar year.

What to see at Mnajdra

• The lower temple — the best preserved, with the famous solar alignment.
• The three temples — arranged on a single terrace above the sea.
• Coastal setting — sweeping views toward Filfla.
• Decorated stonework — pitted and carved slabs inside the apses.

Visiting Mnajdra

Mnajdra is reached on foot from the Ħaġar Qim visitor centre and is normally included on the same Heritage Malta ticket. Opening hours and prices vary by season and should be checked with Heritage Malta before visiting. Special access is sometimes arranged around the equinoxes and solstices to see the alignment.