Tarxien Temples (It-Tempji ta' Hal Tarxien)

The basics

Visitors explore the Tarxien Temples on a self-guided basis, following the pathways around the outdoor temple remains, which are sheltered by a large roof canopy. Three of the four temples feature a five-apse design, while the central, fourth temple has six apses. It’s believed the temples were built for animal sacrifices before being re-purposed as burial grounds.

There are various ways to experience the Tarxien site. Apart from visiting independently, you can take a private tour that covers Tarxien and other historical Maltese treasures, such as the Hypogeum necropolis and fortified “Three Cities” of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. You can also choose a wider excursion that includes landmarks such as the Blue Grotto; take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that stops outside the site; or join a multi-day tour with private transportation and accommodations included.

Things to know before you go

• The Tarxien Temples are recommended for history fans and first-time visitors to Malta.

• The complex is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

• There are public restrooms near the site.

How to get there

The temples are located in the town of Tarxien, just south of Valletta. To get there, you can take a public bus from Valletta’s main terminal—bus numbers 1, 82, 84, 88, and 93 stop nearby—or take a cab. If you're driving, take Route 6 from Valletta before following Route 1, signposted to Paolo and Tarxien; the trip is about 30 minutes. Parking is available in the streets surrounding the site.

When to get there

The Tarxien Temples are open daily, with annual closures on December 24, 25, and 31, January 1, and Good Friday. To visit when the site is quiet, arrive as close to the opening time as possible, especially if you want to find parking easily.

Highlights of the Tarxien Temples

Topping the must-sees is Tarxien’s South Temple, which boasts a large part of a statue of a rotund, skirted female believed to represent the goddess of fertility, along with reliefs of spirals and domestic animals. Don’t miss the stone spheres scattered around the site—archaeologists believe they were sculpted to serve as rollers to transport the larger stones.