Tal-Qadi temple, Bugibba Travel Guide

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Explore the remnants of Tal-Qadi Temple in St Paul's Bay, a unique megalithic site with a mysterious past dating back to 3300-3000 BC.

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Tal-Qadi temple

Tal-Qadi Temple, located in St Paul's Bay, Malta, is a megalithic site dating back to the Tarxien phase (3300-3000 BC). Though in poor condition, the temple's outline is still visible, offering a glimpse into Malta's ancient history and unique temple architecture.

A brief summary to Tal-Qadi temple

WCPC+46, St Paul's Bay, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tal-Qadi temple.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the uneven terrain of the temple site.
Visit during the cooler months or early morning/late afternoon to avoid the heat, as there is little shade.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Salina National Park or other archaeological sites in the area.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From St Paul's Bay, take bus line 41 towards Burmarrad. Disembark at Burmarrad. From there, it's a short walk to the Tal-Qadi Temple. A single bus fare costs €3.
Walking

From the center of St Paul's Bay, the temple is approximately a 3.3km walk, taking around 40 minutes. Head southwest towards Salina and follow the road, Triq il-Knisja, towards the temple. Be prepared for some uphill walking.
Taxi

A taxi from St Paul's Bay to Tal-Qadi Temple is a quick option. The journey is about 4 km and takes approximately 5 minutes. Taxi fares vary, but expect to pay around €10-€15 for a one-way trip.

Discover more about Tal-Qadi temple

Tal-Qadi Temple, situated in Salina, near St Paul's Bay, is a significant, yet understated, megalithic site in Malta. The temple dates back to the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory (3300-3000 BC), with evidence suggesting the site was in use as early as 4000 BC during the Ġgantija phase. Today, the temple is in a poor state of preservation, with only its general outline discernible.Tal-Qadi stands out as the only Maltese temple oriented towards the northeast, a deviation from the typical southern or southeastern orientation of other temples. This unique orientation is likely due to the steep slope on the south side of the hill where it was built. The remains of a central area and two apses are still visible, suggesting that the temple may have originally featured a four-apse plan common during the late temple period.The temple was discovered in 1916 by Henry Sant, and excavated in 1927 by Themistocles Zammit and L. Upton Way. A notable find during the early excavations was a broken globigerina limestone slab incised with star-like figures and a crescent shape, possibly a star map or lunar calendar, which is now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Visiting Tal-Qadi offers a chance to connect with Malta's prehistoric past and appreciate the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants, despite the temple's deteriorated condition.