Top 12 Temples in Malta Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

Did you know Malta has some of the world’s oldest temples? Yes, they’re even older than the Egyptian pyramids! These amazing stone structures show us just how clever the early people of these Mediterranean islands were.

People built the temples in Malta to worship and track the stars thousands of years ago. Now, they sit quietly across the islands, telling stories of the past. 

In this article, we’ll explore these ancient wonders and share key details about locations, visiting hours, and special features that make each temple unique.

1. Ġgantija Temples

Built during the Neolithic period (circa 3600–3200 BC), the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo Island stand out among temples in Malta as some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Their name means “giant” in Maltese, reflecting local legends that giants constructed these massive monuments.

The complex features two temples surrounded by a massive stone wall, making it one of the famous temples in Malta that showcase our ancestors’ engineering brilliance.

• Address: Triq John Otto Bayer, Ix-Xagħra, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1mQsqsubWiMeP5Wb7
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: The temple offers guided tours year-round, providing insights into Neolithic construction techniques and religious practices.
• How to Reach: Take a ferry from Malta to Gozo, then a short drive or bus ride to Xagħra.

Features:

• Massive limestone blocks were used in construction, some weighing over 50 tons.
• Fertility-related sculptures and carvings.
• A visitor center with exhibits on prehistoric Malta.

Suggested Read: Your Complete Guide on Malta Visa for Indians

2. Ħaġar Qim Temple

Dating back to approximately 3600–3200 BC, Ħaġar Qim ranks among the popular temples to visit in Malta. This religious place in Malta sits on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in southern Malta.

The temple features unique doorways carved from thick stone slabs and intricate altars for rituals. As one of the best temples in Malta, it’s now protected by a tent structure to preserve its ancient limestone from weathering.

• Address: Triq Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi QRD 2501, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cH1qQMs1CvTLGp6N7
• Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Events: The temple hosts special guided tours focusing on astronomical alignments and seasonal rituals.
• How to Reach: Accessible via public transport or car, with parking available nearby.

Features:

• Stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Intricate carvings and statues linked to fertility worship.
• Proximity to Mnajdra Temple for combined visits.

Suggested Read: Malta Visa Rejection For Indian Tourists

3. Mnajdra Temple

Mnajdra Temple, among the key temples in Malta, opened around 3600–2500 BC near the southern coast. This temple in Malta is famous for its precise alignment with celestial events like the solstices and the equinoxes.

Inside this religious place in Malta, you’ll find three structures built during different periods. Its beautiful location and astronomical significance put it high on the list of best temples in Malta, attracting both history buffs and spiritual seekers.

• Address: Qrendi QRD 2502, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvHp4zotViixK1u89
• Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Events: The temple celebrates seasonal events highlighting astronomical alignments during the solstices and the equinoxes.
• How to Reach: Located within walking distance of Ħaġar Qim; accessible by car or public transport.

Features:

• Celestial alignments mark seasonal changes.
• Three distinct structures reflect different phases of construction.
• Rugged cliffs and lush landscapes surround the site.

Suggested Read: How to Book Malta Visa Appointment

4. Tarxien Temples

Built between 3600 and 2500 BC, the Tarxien Temples represent one of the most elaborate Malta temple locations. This complex contains four interconnected temples adorned with detailed reliefs of animals and human figures.

The site provides valuable insights into the burial practices and rituals of Malta’s early inhabitants. With its rich carvings and artifacts, Tarxien stands among the famous temples in Malta for those interested in prehistoric art and culture.

• Address: Triq It Tempji Neolitici, Ħal Tarxien TXN 1063, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z1wqq8MQc6bTeoq38
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: Regular guided tours showcase artifacts and explain the cultural significance of this religious site.
• How to Reach: Easily accessible via public transport or car; located near Valletta for convenient day trips.

Features:

• Intricate reliefs depicting animals and human figures.
• Chambers were used for burial practices and rituals.
• Proximity to other archaeological sites in Malta for extended exploration.

Suggested Read: Malta Visa Photo Requirements For Indian Tourists

5. Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples

Constructed between 3600 and 3200 BCE, Ta’ Ħaġrat ranks among the best-preserved temples in Malta. Located in the village of Mġarr, this religious place in Malta consists of two adjacent temples with unique architectural features.

The complex may be smaller than other megalithic sites, but its well-preserved structure makes it one of the popular temples to visit in Malta for archaeology enthusiasts.

• Address: W999+9CW, Ta’ Hagrat, L-Imġarr, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ShpW7vYHeHCRWNP88
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: Guided tours are available to explore the site’s history and significance.
• How to Reach: Accessible via public transport or car, with parking available nearby.

Features:

• Smaller yet well-preserved megalithic structures.
• Unique architectural layout with a central courtyard.
• Artifacts suggesting communal activities and rituals.

Suggested Read: How to Check Malta Visa Status Online for Indians

6. Skorba Temples

Dating back to around 3600–2500 BCE, the Skorba Temples stand as an important Malta temple location near the village of Żebbiegħ. Though less visually striking than other sites, this temple in Malta holds immense archaeological significance.

Excavations have revealed pottery fragments and tools that help us understand the daily lives of prehistoric Maltese communities. Its scientific importance makes it one of the famous temples in Malta for researchers and history lovers.

• Address: Triq L-Imqades, L-Imġarr MGR 2210, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1q79MRNZAh4b9UM5A
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: Archaeological tours highlighting the site’s historical importance.
• How to Reach: Accessible via public transport or car; located near Mġarr for convenient visits.

Features:

• Two temples represent different phases of construction.
• Artifacts offering insights into prehistoric Maltese life.
• Less crowded than other sites, ideal for quiet exploration.

Suggested Read: Winter in Malta- Weather, Things to do, Packing Checklist, Travel Tips & More

7. Kordin III Temple

Kordin III is the only surviving structure from a group of megalithic temples once located near Paola. Built around 3500 BCE, this religious place in Malta showcases key features of Maltese megalithic architecture despite being smaller than other sites.

With its trilithon doorways and apses, Kordin III provides a glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric religious practices. Its delicate condition means that visits are by appointment only, making it one of the more exclusive temples in Malta to experience.

• Address: Paola, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMwXCWiE4VzE4Tm26
• Timings: Visits by appointment only
• Events: Occasional archaeological discussions and guided tours upon request.
• How to Reach: Accessible via public transport or car; located near Valletta for easy access.

Features:

• Trilithon doorways are typical of Maltese temple architecture.
• It is a smaller size but has significant historical value.
• Exclusive access ensures a quiet exploration experience.

Suggested Read: Discover the Rich Heritage of Museums in Malta

8. Ġgantija South Temple (Gozo)

The South Temple within the Ġgantija complex on Gozo Island is the largest structure at this famous site. Dating back to around 3600 BCE, this temple in Malta features massive limestone blocks weighing up to 50 tons.

The temple was likely used for fertility rituals, as shown by statues and carvings found during excavations. Its monumental architecture makes it one of the best temples in Malta for experiencing the scale of prehistoric engineering.

• Address: Triq John Otto Bayer, Ix-Xagħra, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ab6xvxzGeJsXNsKZ7
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: Guided tours focusing on Neolithic construction techniques and cultural significance.
• How to Reach: Take a ferry from Malta to Gozo, followed by a short drive or bus ride to Xagħra Plateau.

Features:

• Massive limestone blocks weighing up to 50 tons.
• Artifacts linked to fertility rituals and religious practices.
• Stunning location with panoramic views of Gozo Island.

Suggested Read: Malta With Kids: An Unforgettable Mediterranean Adventure for Your Family

9. Buġibba Temple

Built around 3150 BCE, Buġibba Temple offers a unique Malta temple location within the grounds of the Dolmen Hotel in St. Paul’s Bay. Though smaller than other megalithic sites, this religious place in Malta features a central altar used for rituals.

The temple’s integration within a modern hotel setting creates an interesting contrast between ancient and contemporary. This accessibility makes it one of the popular temples to visit in Malta for tourists staying in the area.

• Address: Triq Il-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YAP6giYD2d4hD2F47
• Timings: Accessible daily 24/7
• Events: Occasional archaeological discussions and guided tours hosted by local historians.
• How to Reach: Easily accessible via public transport or car; located near major tourist areas in St. Paul’s Bay.

Features:

• The central altar is used for rituals.
• Located within a modern hotel setting, blending ancient history with contemporary convenience.
• Free access for visitors staying at or visiting the Dolmen Hotel.

10. Ta’ Ħaġrat North Temple

The Ta’ Ħaġrat North Temple is part of the Ta Ħaġrat complex in Mġarr, dating back to approximately 3600 BCE. Though smaller than its companion temple, this site showcases similar architectural features that define temples in Malta from this period.

With its central courtyard and ritual spaces, the North Temple provides a quieter experience for visitors interested in Malta’s prehistoric culture. Its well-preserved condition makes it valuable among the famous temples in Malta for understanding Neolithic architecture.

• Address: Ta’ Hagrat, L-Imġarr, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7h6NgKPrUF7xsQdR7
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Events: Guided tours are available to explore the site’s history and significance.
• How to Reach: Accessible via public transport or car, with parking available nearby.

Features:

• Smaller yet intricately designed structure.
• Evidence of ritualistic practices and community gatherings.
• Peaceful surroundings are ideal for reflection and exploration.

11. Tas-Silġ Temple

Tas-Silġ stands out among temples in Malta as a multi-period complex near Marsaxlokk. Dating back to the Neolithic era (around 3000 BCE), this site was continuously used through the Bronze Age, Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

What makes this religious place in Malta truly unique is its adaptation across millennia. Originally built for fertility worship, it later became a Roman sanctuary to Juno and eventually an early Christian church, earning its place among the famous temples in Malta.

• Address: Marsaxlokk, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6AT4PpbxJ2Qnezf49
• Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Events: The site offers guided tours highlighting its multi-period history and cultural significance.
• How to Reach: Accessible by public transport or car; located near Marsaxlokk fishing village for convenient day trips.

Features:

• Evidence of multi-period use spanning thousands of years.
• Artifacts from the Neolithic, Roman, and Byzantine periods are displayed in nearby museums.
• It has a scenic location near Marsaxlokk Bay, offering views of the surrounding countryside.

12. Rotunda of Mosta (Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady)

The Rotunda of Mosta, also known as the Mosta Dome, is one of Malta’s most iconic and active religious sites. It was constructed between 1833 and the early 1860s, based on neoclassical designs by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé. 

The church is renowned for its massive dome, which is the third-largest unsupported dome in the world and a significant architectural marvel. The Rotunda gained fame during World War II when a German aerial bomb pierced its dome during a service but miraculously failed to explode.

• Address: Rotunda Square, Mosta MST 2014, Malta
• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLDjduGacG5WAZtD9
• Timings: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (timings may vary for services)
• Events: Regular Mass services, Feast of the Assumption on August 15th, and guided tours explaining its history and architecture.
• How to Reach: Easily accessible via public transport or car; located in central Malta with ample parking nearby.

Features:

• The third-largest unsupported dome in the world.
• Historical significance due to the unexploded WWII bomb incident.
• Neoclassical architecture was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
• A museum displaying artifacts, including a replica of the WWII bomb.

Why Choose OneVasco?

OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey. 

Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.

• Expert and Personalized Support 
• Efficient and Hassle-Free Process 
• Real-time tracking and Updates 
• Transparent Communication 
• Trusted by Millions

FAQs

When is the best time to visit temples in Malta?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather for exploring temples in Malta, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer visits are possible but prepare for heat, especially at exposed sites without shade.

What is the dress code for visiting religious places in Malta?

While these prehistoric temples in Malta aren’t active religious sites, modest clothing is recommended out of respect for their cultural significance. Comfortable shoes are essential as many sites involve walking on uneven ground.

Are cameras allowed in Maltese temples?

Photography is permitted at most famous temples in Malta, though flash photography may be restricted at certain sites to protect ancient artwork and carvings. Always check with site guardians about specific rules at each location.

How much time should I set aside for temple visits?

Plan for 1-2 hours at each of the popular temples to visit in Malta. Combined sites like Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra might require 3-4 hours. A comprehensive tour of all major Malta temple locations would need 2-3 days.

Are guided tours available at these temples?

Yes, most of the best temples in Malta offer guided tours in multiple languages. The Malta Heritage Pass provides access to multiple sites and is recommended for visitors planning to see several temples during their stay.

What makes Malta’s temples unique compared to other ancient sites?

Malta’s temples are among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by over 1,000 years. Their sophisticated design shows remarkable engineering skills for Neolithic builders.

Is there an entrance fee for these temples?

Most temples in Malta charge entrance fees (typically €10-15), though prices vary by site. The Malta Heritage Pass offers good value for visitors planning to see multiple locations during their stay.

Are these temples suitable for children to visit?

Many of the famous temples in Malta are family-friendly with educational components that can engage children. Sites like Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim have visitor centers with interactive displays designed to make prehistoric history accessible to younger visitors.