Hagar Qim Temple

Stunning temples set in a breathtaking and magical site. Very reasonably priced too. And you get to actually enter the temples and explore up close unlike the Stone Henge where you see it from far and have to pay special, extortionate prices if you wish to get closer! The mobile audio guide was very useful and informative too. Oh and gorgeous stray cats (being looked after and fed by some kind locals) to cuddle outside the site which was a bonus.

Entry is €10 for adults and is well worth the cost, providing access to both the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples. There is a downloadable audio tour (several languages options), which will walk you through the temple complex over the course of 40 short snippets. I found the audio guide interesting, with the right level of detail. The temple are incredibly impressive, with their megalithic structures dating back over 5000 years. Both temples are covered by a protective tent structure to keep out the elements. Hagar Qim is slightly larger, and you are able to walk through the centre, as well as round the outside. The largest stones are over 50 tonnes. There are bathrooms and a gift shop at the ticket office, along with a small museum and 3D video introduction.

Awe-inspiring to walk among some of the most ancient temples in the world and learn about the peaceful and spiritual nature of the people who built this incredible place. Older than both Stonehenge and the pyramids - absolutely not to be missed on a visit to the island of Malta.

If you're a history enthusiast, Haġar Qim is an absolute must-visit when in Malta. This ancient temple complex offers an incredible glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric past and is complemented by the nearby Mnajdra ruins, making it a captivating excursion for anyone intrigued by ancient civilisations. Haġar Qim, dating back over 5,000 years, is perched atop a promontory with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. To the east lies a fertile plain, while to the west, the rugged garrigue slopes gently down towards the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was not built for habitation but served as a temple dedicated to worship. Among its remarkable discoveries were statues believed to be connected to fertility rites, showcasing the spiritual and cultural significance of the site. Some of these artefacts are now exhibited at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. A short 500-metre walk downhill from Haġar Qim, the Mnajdra ruins await. These contemporary structures are thought to have been used by the same community due to their close proximity. Both sites share architectural similarities that underline the sophistication of the Neolithic builders. We visited Haġar Qim in December 2024, and it was a delightfully sunny day with temperatures hovering around 17°C. The weather added to the experience, making it comfortable to explore the site without being overwhelmed by heat. The ruins themselves are relatively small, and it doesn’t take long to walk around, but the history they encapsulate is nothing short of mind-boggling. Having seen a documentary on Haġar Qim, I had long been fascinated by how the Neolithic builders managed to construct these temples using massive stone blocks thousands of years ago. Standing in front of these ancient structures and imagining the sheer effort and ingenuity required to erect them was an awe-inspiring experience. Practical Information Tickets are easily available at the museum entrance, and one ticket covers both Haġar Qim and Mnajdra, making it excellent value for money. Upon entry, you can download a free audio commentary, which is available in multiple languages. This adds depth to the experience, offering detailed insights into the history and significance of the sites. Before heading to the temples, you can also visit the on-site museum, which provides additional context about the ruins, their purpose, and the people who built them. The museum is a great starting point to fully appreciate what you’re about to see. Haġar Qim is more than just an archaeological site—it’s a window into an ancient world. Whether you’re a history buff or simply someone who enjoys marvelling at the ingenuity of our ancestors, a visit to Haġar Qim and Mnajdra is bound to leave a lasting impression. The serene setting, coupled with the fascinating history, makes this an unforgettable experience. If you're planning to visit, consider setting aside about 2-3 hours to take in both sites and the surrounding natural beauty. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the spectacular views as well as the temples themselves!

Impressive site. We know very little about it but still can amaze us. The location is very special with the sea view. The path and accessibility can definitely be improved at this site with an entry fee of 10 Euros.

MARVELOUS A magnificent space, the archaeological site is well organized and immense. The main structure gives the possibility to fully understand what you are going to visit and in it a cinema room shows and explains in detail the history of the temple and the Maltese people. After leaving the structure we proceed with the visit to the first archaeological site , the first part of the temple ruins. Continuing on you arrive, after about ten minutes, at the second site and there the magic. the view is spectacular and breathtaking, the red earth, the blue sea and the wind that caresses you make the visit poetic. The staff is friendly and well organised, the audio guide downloaded onto your phone allows you to visit the archaeological site easily and independently. I'm still entranced by the view, easy to reach even by public transport or taxi. Personally, staying nearby, I decided to reach it on foot and it was doable and simple, I would go back again tomorrow to enjoy that breathtaking view. I really recommend to visit this place cause I’m sure that it’s gonna change all your experience in Malta, is historical, magical and beautiful really is the place to be to know better the beautiful Malta.

Amazing historical place to visit while in Malta! Thousands of years of history and you can enter for 10euro a person. There are two sites. First is near the main building and the other one is further down the hill. It wasn’t sign posted so we nearly missed the second site! Both are amazing!! Well worth a trip to visit some of the oldest free standing stone sites in the world!!

The temple ruins of Ħaġar Qim are one of the best preserved megalithic temple complexes in Malta. From the visitor centre it is a short walk to the domed site. The temple complex consists of three buildings/ruins that were built over the centuries. In front of the domed Southern Temple (3000-2500 BC) lie the chaotic remains of the Primitive Temple (before 3600 BC), and to the north of both is the Northern Temple (3600-3000 BC). Because the temple was built of the local, soft globigerina limestone, the ruin is susceptible to weathering, hence the dome. A number of remarkable finds have been made in Ħaġar Qim, such as several statuettes of fertility goddesses that can now be admired in the National Museum for Archaeology in Valletta. But the (southern) temple ruins themselves are also very interesting. There is an upright menhir of 5.20 meters high, the outer wall contains one of the largest stones (6.30 meters wide and weighing ±20 tons) and it has an oracle niche. Enough to admire, so you should not miss this!