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| Out and About visiting Archaeological & Geological Sites in Malta |
Archaeological Sites
Tarxien Temples, Tarxien
A unique collection of 4th and 3rd millenium BCE temples. Stone idols and tablets, domestic animals carved in relief, altars and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns, oracular chambers and riches enhance the attractions of these sanctuaries.
Hypogeum, Hal Saflieni, Paola
A UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique and ancient underground monument, is 12 metres below street level. It consists of a network of passages, chambers and caves cut on three levels, similar to the interior of a megalithic temple. More than 7000 skeletal remains have been discovered at the Hypogeum. Entrance is restricted, only 10 people every hour are permitted in. Therefore pre-booked tickets are definitely recommended.
Kordin III Temples, Kordin/Paola
These temples where built between 3600-3000 BCE and are regarded as the preserved trefoil structures in the island.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, Limits of Qrendi
Situated on the southern coast of the island, these two temples are among the most imposing megalithic structures in Malta. Dating back 3000 years BC, some of the stones are 4 metres high and weigh a staggering 20 tons.
St. Paul's Catacombs, Rabat
This is an underground Christian burial place dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. The catacombs are situated outside the previous Roman walls, as no burials where permitted within the walls.
Clapham Junction, Limits of Siggiewi/Rabat
The impressive concentration of mysterious cart ruts known as the 'Clapham Junction' tracks crisscross one another and have been called 'the tram lines of Neolithic man'.
Geological Sites
Ghar Dalam and Museum, Birzebbugia
The Ghar Dalam Cave is a highly important site as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered. This huge cavern is some 144 metres deep, but only the first 50 metres are open to visitors. The lowermost layers, more than 500,000 years old, contained the fossil bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, micro-mammals and birds.
Blue Grotto, Limits of Zurrieq
This picturesque grotto and its neighboring system of sea caverns mirrors the brilliant phosphorescent colours of underwater flora. Boat trips, which take around 25 minutes allow you to explore these grottoes and sea caverns along this stretch of coast.
North West/West Coastal Cliffs
The coastal cliffs of the Maltese Islands are characterised by vertical or near-vertical rock faces rising from the sea to heights of up to 70-130m above mean sea level and continuing below it down to depths of 80m in places. Steep slopes which are often terraced and which have been under cultivation for hundreds of years cap parts of these cliffs whereas spectacular boulder screes (known locally as rdum) dominate others. |
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