Tarxien Temples, Tarxien — the carved heart of Malta's prehistory (UNESCO)

What are the Tarxien Temples?

The Tarxien Temples are a closely grouped set of four megalithic buildings that together preserve the richest decorative art of Malta's temple culture. Set within the modern town of Tarxien, they are a key part of the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta and a vital source for understanding prehistoric ritual on the islands.

Where are the Tarxien Temples?

The temples lie in a built-up part of Tarxien, in the Southern Harbour area, only a few hundred metres from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Their urban setting is a reminder of how the ancient and modern landscapes of Malta overlap.

History of the Tarxien Temples

The temples were built and remodelled between about 3600 and 2500 BC. They were discovered in 1913–1914 and excavated by the archaeologist Themistocles Zammit, who also worked on the nearby Hypogeum. After the temple period the site was reused in the Bronze Age as a cremation cemetery, adding a further layer to its history.

What to see at the Tarxien Temples

• The relief carvings — spiral patterns and friezes of animals such as goats and pigs.
• The colossal statue — the surviving lower part of a large skirted figure, often called the 'fat lady'.
• Altars and screens — decorated stone furniture of the temples.
• Replicas in situ — copies protect the originals, several of which are in the National Museum of Archaeology.

Significance

More than any other Maltese temple, Tarxien preserves the imagery of the temple builders: their fascination with spirals, their depiction of animals, and their monumental human figures. Together with the Hypogeum nearby, it makes the Tarxien area one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric heritage in the Mediterranean.

Visiting the Tarxien Temples

The site is managed by Heritage Malta and entered through a visitor walkway that protects the remains. Opening hours and ticket prices vary seasonally and should be confirmed with Heritage Malta before visiting; the site combines well with a separately booked visit to the Hypogeum.