Tal-Qadi Temple: A Glimpse into Malta's Neolithic Past

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Explore the ruins of Tal-Qadi Temple in St Paul's Bay, a unique megalithic site with a mysterious past dating back to 3300 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. It is unique among Maltese temples for its northeast orientation.

A brief summary to Tal-Qadi temple

WCPC+46, St Paul's Bay, MT

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the temple is uneven.
Bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Salina National Park or Salina Catacombs.
Look for the information panels on site to learn more about the temple's history and significance.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From St Paul's Bay, several bus routes pass near Tal-Qadi Temple. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Disembark at a stop along Triq il-Knisja. From there, it's a short walk to the temple site. A single bus fare costs €2.50.
Walking

From the center of St Paul's Bay, head northeast along Triq il-Knisja. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. The temple will be on your left. Be mindful of traffic along this road.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in St Paul's Bay. A short taxi ride from the St Paul's Bay center to Tal-Qadi Temple will cost approximately €15-€20. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Tal-Qadi temple

Tal-Qadi Temple, situated in Salina near St Paul's Bay, is a significant yet understated piece of Malta's prehistoric puzzle. Constructed during the Tarxien phase (3300-3000 BC), the temple site may have been in use as early as 4000 BC. Today, the temple exists in a state of ruin, requiring a keen eye to discern its original form. Unlike most Maltese temples that face south or southeast, Tal-Qadi Temple uniquely faces northeast. This unusual orientation may be due to the steep slope on its southern side. The remains include a central area and two apses, suggesting it may have originally featured a four-apse design common in the late temple period. Excavations in 1927 led to the discovery of a broken globigerina limestone slab incised with star-like figures and a crescent shape, now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. This intriguing artifact hints at the temple's possible use as a lunar calendar or star map. Despite its deteriorated state, Tal-Qadi offers a fascinating peek into Malta's Neolithic past.