Tarxien, Tarxien

Where is Tarxien?

Tarxien lies in the inner harbour area of southern Malta, immediately next to Paola and close to Fgura, Santa Luċija and the approach to the Three Cities. It belongs to the Southern Harbour District. The town is effectively contiguous with Paola in the built-up area.

History of Tarxien

The Tarxien Temples were built in several phases during the Late Neolithic and are renowned for their carved stone reliefs, altars and the lower part of a large statue of a figure. They were excavated in the early 20th century by Themistocles Zammit. The temples form part of the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Megalithic Temples of Malta'. The modern town grew around its parish, dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady.

What to see in Tarxien

Tarxien Temples — a multi-phase megalithic temple complex with carved reliefs and altars, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site (managed by Heritage Malta). Parish Church of the Annunciation — the town's Baroque parish church. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — the prehistoric necropolis is a short walk away in adjoining Paola.

Transport in Tarxien

Tarxien is served by Malta Public Transport buses, usually via Paola, connecting it to Valletta and the south. There is no rail or ferry service in the town; harbour ferries operate from the nearby Three Cities. Local movement is mainly by bus or car.

Living in Tarxien

Tarxien is a residential harbour-area town, contiguous with Paola, with a traditional core and proximity to Valletta. Assessments of cost of living and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Ħal Tarxien / Tarxien

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

UNESCO

Tarxien Temples (Megalithic Temples of Malta)

Transport

Bus routes via Paola to Valletta