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Għar Dalam Cave: A Journey Through Malta's Prehistoric Past

Unearth Malta's prehistoric secrets at Għar Dalam Cave, where Ice Age fossils and early human artifacts reveal a captivating journey through time.

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Explore Għar Dalam Cave, Malta's oldest prehistoric site, revealing layers of history dating back over 500,000 years. See fossilized remains of dwarf elephants, hippos, and early human artifacts in the adjacent museum, offering a glimpse into Malta's Ice Age past and early human habitation.

A brief summary to Għar Dalam Cave

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the ground inside the cave can be uneven and slippery.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Borg in-Nadur temple for a comprehensive exploration of Malta's ancient history.
  • Check the Heritage Malta website for potential temporary exhibition closures and updated opening hours.
  • Consider purchasing a combo ticket for Għar Dalam and Borg in-Nadur to save on entrance fees if you plan to visit both sites.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta, take bus routes 80, 82, or 85 towards Birżebbuġa. The bus stop 'Dalam' is located right outside the entrance to Għar Dalam. A single bus fare costs around €2.00.

  • Car

    Għar Dalam is located on the main road to Birżebbuġa. There is a large, free parking lot available next to the museum entrance. From Valletta, follow the signs to Birżebbuġa; the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from Valletta to Għar Dalam typically costs between €20-€30, depending on the company and time of day. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Għar Dalam Cave

Għar Dalam, meaning 'Cave of Darkness' in Maltese, is a captivating journey into Malta's prehistoric past, located on the outskirts of Birżebbuġa. This 144-meter long cave is not only a natural wonder but also a significant archaeological site, holding the earliest evidence of human habitation in Malta, dating back 7,400 years. The cave itself presents a unique opportunity to witness distinct geological layers, each telling a story of Malta's ancient history. The lowest layers, over 500,000 years old, contain the fossilized bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, micro-mammals, and birds, remnants of a time when Malta was connected to Europe. Above these layers, the 'deer layer' dates back approximately 18,000 years, followed by the 'cultural layer,' which reveals evidence of the first human presence on the island. Only the first 50 meters of the cave are accessible to the public. The Għar Dalam museum enhances the experience with its remarkable collection of artifacts recovered from the cave. The Joseph Baldacchino Hall features a Victorian-style display of countless bones, while the George Zammit Maempel Hall offers a didactic presentation of the cave's history and the various species found within its deposits. The museum showcases the impact of the Ice Age on Malta, displaying skeletons of deer, foxes, brown bears, hippopotamuses, and dwarf elephants. Beyond the cave and museum, the site also boasts a garden with indigenous plants and trees, reflecting Għar Dalam's ecological significance. The site is part of the Natura 2000 network, recognized for its conservation status due to the presence of the endemic cave woodlouse and a roosting site for the Lesser Horse-shoe Bat. Visitors can also enjoy views of the valley, including an old watch tower and a World War II pillbox, with prehistoric cart ruts located behind the visitor center.

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