Ta' Ħaġrat: Ancient Temples of Malta
Explore Ta' Ħaġrat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malta, and discover megalithic temples dating back to 3600 BC.
Ta' Ħaġrat, situated on the outskirts of Mġarr village in Malta, is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising two well-preserved megalithic temples. These temples, dating back to the Ġgantija (3600–3200 BC) and Saflieni (3300–3000 BC) phases, are among the oldest religious structures on Earth. The site provides a glimpse into Malta's prehistoric past and the architectural innovations of its early inhabitants. The larger temple features a trefoil plan with a concave façade, a monumental doorway, and a spacious semicircular forecourt. Inside, a corridor leads to a central court with three semi-circular chambers. The smaller temple, constructed during the Saflieni phase, is entered through the eastern apse of the larger temple and exhibits a simpler, four-apse design. Constructed from local coralline limestone, the temples stand as testaments to the ingenuity of Neolithic builders. Excavations at Ta' Ħaġrat have revealed pottery deposits indicating a village existed on the site before the temples were built, dating back to 3800-3600 BC. A notable discovery was a small limestone model of a roofed building, offering insight into the temples' original appearance. Today, Ta' Ħaġrat offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore these ancient structures and appreciate the rural Maltese landscape that has remained largely unchanged over millennia.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online or from Heritage Malta museums in advance, as they are not sold on-site.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Skorba Temples, located approximately 1 km away.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground and exploring the site.
- Visit during the cooler months or early morning/late afternoon to avoid the heat.
- Check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the day and season.
A brief summary to Ta' Ħaġrat
- W999+9CW, Ta' Hagrat, Mġarr, MT
- +35621586264
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Valletta, take bus number 44 towards Mġarr. The bus trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alight at the 'Mgarr' bus stop, which is a short walk from the temples. A single bus ticket costs €2.
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Taxi
From Mdina, a taxi ride to Ta' Ħaġrat takes about 8 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Mdina. Expect to pay around €15-€20 for the trip.
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Walking
From the Mġarr Parish Church, walk east along Triq San Pietru. The temples are located on the right-hand side of the road, approximately a 5-minute walk from the church. There are no specific access fees for walking.
