Tarxien: Prehistoric Temples and Historic Churches

Tarxien has a distinctive cultural and historical focus in the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex. Four megalithic structures, prehistoric reliefs and churches built later take you through different periods and forms. If you choose the town as a destination, you can organize your visit around specific questions: How were the structures altered, what motifs do the reliefs depict, and which later religious buildings have shaped the town’s history?

The Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex

The Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex consists of four megalithic structures. They were built in the late Neolithic period and later adapted for use in the Early Bronze Age. This means that you encounter several building and use phases at one site; the temple complex cannot be reduced to a single point in time. The UNESCO World Heritage description recognizes the temples of Tarxien as unique architectural masterpieces of the Maltese megalithic temples.

The site’s later use is also part of its history: between 2400 and 1500 BC, it was reused as a Bronze Age cremation cemetery. This information adds a different function to the history of the temples. The building history and the later use as a cemetery answer different questions about the site’s past and can be considered as distinct aspects.

Reliefs, Spaces and Visit Options

The distinctive features of the complex can be considered on different levels. The South Building contains prehistoric bas-reliefs depicting spirals and animals. By contrast, the central building stands out for its floor plan: it has six chambers, and there is also evidence of a corbelled roof. In this way, visual motifs and architectural design sit side by side. During your visit, you can focus on the reliefs, the layout of the spaces or the evidence of the construction method.

Audio guides for the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex are available in Maltese, English, Chinese, German, Italian, Greek, Spanish, French, Japanese and Polish. You can choose a language that suits your preference. A guided tour can be requested; if you prefer a guided format, check its availability for your visit in advance.

Churches and Chapels in Tarxien

The churches and chapels also provide their own historical reference points. St. Mary’s Chapel, also known as Tar-Rokna, is a domed church built between 1729 and 1737. Its name and date help distinguish it as a specific building from the prehistoric temples. The foundation stone of the Church of St Bartholomew and Our Lady of Good Counsel was laid in 1764.

St. Joseph Chapel provides a later date: it was built in 1874. Its façade has a niche containing a statue of St Joseph. Together, the religious buildings offer a distinct comparison within the town’s history: the dome shape, foundation stone laying, year of construction and façade niche are specific features that you can use to distinguish the buildings from one another.

Practical Information

Free public parking bays are available on the streets around the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex. As parking conditions may change, check the latest parking situation before setting off.

Discover more destinations: San Lawrenz, Għargħur, Qormi, Nadur, Iklin, Bugibba, St. Julians, San Pawl Il-Baħar

See the broader travel overview: Malta.