Tarxien Temples
Archaeological Site Prehistoric megalithic temples dating to Malta's Neolithic
The Tarxien Temples on Malta are Neolithic megalithic structures with carved stone reliefs and chambers dating to the late fourth-third millennia BCE. Archaeology-minded visitors come for prehistoric architecture and the on-site museum displays.
Tarxien Temples are a late Neolithic megalithic temple complex located at Tarxien on the main island of Malta, dating to roughly the third millennium BC. The site features several adjacent temple buildings with rich stone carving and architectural detail.
Multiple decorated altars, carved reliefs and orthostats within four connected temple chambers, all set within a compact archaeological footprint and displayed under protective coverings. The complex is one of the most ornate of Malta’s temple sites and is presented with on-site visitor information.
Excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries uncovered the carved stonework and structural plan; the site has been conserved and presented for public viewing since then.
The temples lie in the southeastern part of Malta near the town of Tarxien and the larger towns of the Grand Harbour area, a short drive from central sites on the main island.
- World Heritage: Part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta UNESCO World Heritage listing, making the site one of several late Neolithic temple sites on the islands.
What to See #
- Main temple cluster: A sequence of four adjacent Neolithic temple structures arranged in a compact complex, each with distinctive carved stone altars and orthostats.
- Visitor exhibits: An interpretation and visitor area with displays of carved stone fragments and examples of the sculptural decoration recovered on site.
How to Get to Tarxien Temples #
The Tarxien Temples are in the town of Tarxien, just outside Malta’s main urban area south of Valletta. By car it’s a short drive from Valletta - roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic - following the main southbound roads out of the capital. The site is within walking distance of Tarxien town center; it is also served by Malta’s public bus network from Valletta and other towns (get off at the Tarxien stop and walk a few minutes to the temples).
Tips for Visiting Tarxien Temples #
- Visit at opening or late afternoon to avoid the tour-bus groups and Malta's midday sun; the site is compact so quieter periods make it easier to study the intricate megalithic carvings.
- Buy a ticket that includes the on-site museum: many visitors rush the outdoor stones but miss the small exhibition with original fragments and explanatory panels that clarify the temples' layout.
- Arrive via Paola (Paola railway station is a short walk) to avoid parking hassles and to combine Tarxien with nearby sites if you're exploring Malta's megalithic circuit.
Best Time to Visit Tarxien Temples #
Visit Tarxien Temples in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors while exploring the outdoor archaeological site.
Weather & Climate near Tarxien Temples #
Tarxien Temples's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (530 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
