Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex

Tarxien is one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites in the Maltese Islands, and one of the easiest to reach from Valletta and the Grand Harbour area, where the Three Cities face Valletta across the water. The complex is made up of four megalithic structures raised in the late Neolithic period and later reused in the early Bronze Age. Today it forms part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, a group of six sites on the World Heritage List.

The site is managed by Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums and heritage, and you will find it among the museums in Malta in our directory. If you are building a day around Malta's temples, pair it with the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum nearby and the coastal temples at Ħaġar Qim.

What you will see

The complex came to light in 1913 when a farmer, Lorenzo Despott, uncovered it. Large excavations followed between 1915 and 1919 under Sir Themistocles Zammit, then Director of Museums. The easternmost structure is the oldest. Only the lower courses of its walls survive, but you can still make out its concave frontage and five chambers.

The South Structure is the richest in prehistoric art. Its carved relief panels show spirals and domestic animals including goats, bulls, pigs and a ram, and the lower half of a colossal statue of a figure in a pleated skirt stands in the temple. The great number of animal bones found in particular areas shows how much these animals mattered to the community.

The Central Structure was the last to be built and is unusual for its six chambers. Evidence of corbelled roofing helps you picture how the buildings may once have been covered. Barriers between areas suggest that some parts were open only to some people, and hearths in the corridors show that fire was used inside. After 2000 BC, newcomers to the islands turned parts of the site into a cremation cemetery.

Tickets and prices

Admission is €6 for adults aged 18 and over. Youths aged 12 to 17, seniors aged 60 and over, students and concessions pay €4.50, and children aged 6 to 11 pay €3. Infants aged 1 to 5 enter free, and Heritage Malta members and passport holders go in at no charge.

If you have already bought a ticket for the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, show it at the Tarxien ticket office to receive 50 per cent off your admission. The reduction applies only when you buy your ticket at the door. Our short guide to the Hypogeum explains the other half of the day.

Facilities and accessibility

On site you will find audio guides in Maltese, English, Chinese, German, Italian, Greek, Spanish, French, Japanese and Polish. There is also a gift shop, drinks, lockers, a nappy changing facility and an indoor and outdoor seating area.

A dedicated walkway means every area of the site is fully wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets are provided. The most delicate original finds have been moved for conservation to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, so a visit there fills in the story. You can read more in our Valletta guide.

Getting there and guided tours

The complex is on Triq it-Tempji Neolitici in Tarxien. The nearest bus stop is five minutes away on foot, and Heritage Malta offers a journey planner for public transport.

If you would like to explore with an expert, a guided tour can be requested from one of Heritage Malta's tour guides, which is a good idea if you want the carvings and the layout of the four structures explained as you walk. Our things to do in Malta page shows how a morning at Tarxien fits with beaches, harbour cruises and other highlights, and, because much of a visit is on foot, our Malta weather guide helps you pick a comfortable time of year. Our Ħaġar Qim guide covers the coastal temples, and where to stay in Malta helps you choose a base.

To ask about tickets, guided tours or group visits, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message on.