Tarxien Temples

About

Quick facts: Four separate temple structures were linked together here over roughly a thousand years, with the earliest sections going up around 3600 BC. Some of the carved spiral reliefs and giant stone bowls found here are now displayed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Highlights: Feel the grooves worn into the massive limestone blocks, polished smooth by the hands of people who pressed against them 5,000 years ago. You can also spot a colossal statue of a seated figure, reconstructed from fragments, that stands nearly eight feet tall in one of the temple courtyards.

Insider tips

• Wear sturdy shoes, the original stone floors are uneven and can feel slick after rain.
• Bring a small flashlight to peer into the darker recesses where spiral carvings hide in shadow.
• The reconstructed statue on the left side of the eastern temple is a favorite photo spot, shoot it in the late afternoon for warm light.
• Skip the audio guide if you are short on time, the site is compact and the signage tells the key story.

More attractions in Paola

Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum Visitor Centre

National Museum of Archaeology