Tarxien Temples

Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples are a group of temple complexes located in the town of Tarxien on the island of Malta, dating back to around 3000 BCE. In 1980, they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other megalithic temples on the Maltese islands.

In 1914, a farmer accidentally uncovered the Tarxien Temple complex while weeding his field—this was another major discovery in the area following the unearthing of the Tarxien Hypogeum in 1913. The excavation of these ruins provided compelling evidence of the brilliance of Malta’s ancient civilization, significantly boosted the national pride of the Maltese people, and also offered important insights for archaeologists and historians studying the religious and cultural life of ancient Malta. The Tarxien Temples consist of three separate yet interconnected temple structures: the first temple, built around 3100 BCE, is the most intricately carved of the three; the middle temple, constructed around 3000 BCE, unusually features three apses—most Maltese temples have two—sparking much speculation among historians; the third temple was also built around 3100 BCE.

The Tarxien Temples are a highly intricate and richly sculpted “stone-carving project.” The stones used in their construction feature spirals and other patterned designs, as well as detailed depictions of local animals, altars, and more, serving as vital clues for the study of prehistoric culture and also as an important cultural tourism attraction.

Tarxien Temples

Must-visit reason: One of the oldest temple complexes

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Malta

Province/State: Malta Island [Malta Island]

City: Tarxien [Tarxien]