Discover Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples
Although not as popular as Mnajdra or Ġgantija, the Ta’ Ħaġrat megalithic temple complex in Mġarr, Malta is no less fascinating.
While most other prehistoric sacred structures across the islands are found away from the hustle and bustle of cities, the Ta’ Ħaġrat temples lie just off the town square just like a traditional church built in the heart of the city. In fact, archaeologists believe that pottery and ceramics excavated in the area are indications of an ancient settlement that predates even the temples themselves.
More interestingly, they found a scale model of a temple hewn in rock.
The complex consists of two exquisite temples constructed with lower coralline limestone – the oldest exposed rock in Malta. The major temple was built during the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC) and the minor one was erected in the Saflieni phase (3300-3000 BC).
Ta’ Ħaġrat was first discovered by Sir Temi Zammit in 1923 and is today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, last admission at 16:30. For tickets and updates visit heritagemalta.org.
Getting there
Take route 44 from Valletta to Għajn Tuffieħa and stop at bus stop Mġarr. The temples are two minutes away in St Peter Street, overlooking the beautiful Binġemma countryside.
The bus operates every half an hour from 07:00 to 21:30.
Check the latest timetable details here: publictransport.com.mt/en/routes-timetables