Hagar Qim is part of the Hagar Qim Archaeological Park and is among the oldest temple on the planet. This site is on a scale and importance up there with Stonehenge England but is far less known.
Hagar Qim is a
fascinating site with 2 large temples and a modern visitors centre.
It is impressive since you can physically touch and walk around the large stones unlike Stonehenge in England.
There is another temple called Mnajdra. It is situated 600 meters away down a lovely long path way between the two temples. There are nature trails around the sites where you can walk and admire the views of the coast. You can also see the island of Filfla.
A virtual tour of this temple is available here.
Disclaimer: On our website, you will find affiliate links from which we receive a small commission.
Watch the video below to discover the ultimate 24-hour adventure in Malta! It's packed with 7 must-do activities. For more amazing travel tips, be sure to visit our YouTube channel, hit subscribe, and dive into our full collection!
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 16:30
Closed on 24, 25 and 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday.
On arrival, head to the visitors centre to buy the tickets. Visit the museum and watch a 4D presentation film. Then you walk to the Hagar Qim temples.
To enter Mnajdra you will need to first pass through Hagar Qim. You only need one ticket for all the visit.
A valid ID or a student card is required for students and seniors.
To get to Hagar Qim you will need to drive past Zurrieq and Qrendi. There are signs to help you get around. There is a car park available for parking.
Where are Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples located?
How do I get from Hagar Qim to Mnajdra?
There is a bus stop just outside the premises. There are two bus routes that pass from near Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. You will need to stop on 'Hagar' bus stop.
The bus numbers are as follows:
The Red South Route pass from here with a stop at the main road a minute walk to the temples.
How can I buy tickets?
Is there a tour with other temples?
There are two tours available:
Receive a 5% discount if you book from the above links. Just enter 'maltainfoguide' in the coupon box.
Can I enter the nearby watchtower?
How much time is required to spend at the temples?
Can I buy tickets online before going to the temples?
The 5,000-year-old Hagar Qim ("HA-jar eem"), which means “standing stones” was built between 3600 - 3000 B.C. It lies about a mile away from the village of Qrendi and a half hour drive from Valletta the capital city of Malta.
A further temple lies just a short walk down the hill, known as Mnajdra temples.
The temples overlooks the sea and the island of Filfla. It is the third Megalithic temples to be built on the Maltese Islands. Although it is quite large, it is smaller than the Ggantija temples in Gozo.
The temples offer a spectacular sight with the use of massive large stones. One of them is the largest single stone used in Maltese temples weighing seven tonnes.
For many centuries due to the “standing stones”, only the tall parts used to be seen as the temples were covered in centuries of dust. They rise on a rocky surface overlooking a fine view of the sea and Filfla island.
The site was covered with earth up to 1839, and most of the standing stones bear the marks of the farmer’s plough. This means that the land used to be used for farming and that the plough of the farmer left marks on the sides of the tall high stones.
Further archaeological digs were conducted during 1885 when a number of statuettes and a four-sided limestone altar were discovered.
The ruins consist of a main building and of a number of smaller ones grouped immediately near it or at some distance from it. It is the best-preserved of several ancient limestone temples in Malta.
From an aerial view this temple is in the shape of a giant paw. At this temple there is a number of small mushroom-shaped altars carved out of stone. The original altars were taken to the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, and replaced with imitations which are now found at Hagar Qim today.
In the temple animals were sacrificed as several bones of animals were found. These were stored inside a hole in the ground.
Hagar Qim Malta Temples is a must to see.
We have used Discover Cars every time we rented a car. We highly recommend them due to their good service and good prices.
Get The Best Rates On Your Car Rental Now!
Using Booking.com, enter your travel dates and number of occupants then rates will be available for hotels and apartments during your visit to Malta
Book Your Hotel In Malta on Booking.com for the Best Rates!