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

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.