Visit The Hypogeum In Malta

Step into 5,000 Years of Mystery Beneath Malta

Since 1980, the Hypogeum in Malta has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This one-of-a-kind underground burial site dates back to 4000 BC. Due to its antiquity, this prehistoric marvel is older than the Pyramids of Giza.

This chamber, often referred to as the 'Holy of Holies'

What You Need To Know About Hypogeum in Malta

• 💎 Why the Hypogeum Is a Must-See
• 🧭 What to Expect on the Tour
• 📆 How to Book Your Visit to the Hypogeum
• 🎟️ Ticket Prices & Admission Info
• 📍 How to Get There
• ❓ Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
• ⭐ What Visitors Say About The Hypogeum

Why The Hypogeum Is A Must-See

⛏️ Below the Surface Lies a Sacred Past: Beneath the streets of the town of Paola is an ancient underground temple carved completely by hand, several thousand years ago.

⏳ Older then the Pyramids: Exactly, you heard that right. This underground temple on a tiny island is even older than the Pyramids of Egypt. The Pyramids construction was averagely between 2550 BC to 2490 BC. ^[1]

🔊 Feel the Past Through Sound: Researchers believe the builders of the underground temples knew exactly how to use sound to create a powerful effect. The Oracle Room within the temple has powerful acoustics, creating an ancient sound experience. ^[2]

☠️ Thousands Were Buried Here: According to archaeologists, when the Hypogeum was explored, they found over 7,000 people buried all through different eras. It is said that this temple was used for burials and special ceremonies.

🏺 A Showcase of Ancient Art & Architecture: The underground temple features several distinctive elements that make the temple unique such as the Sleeping Lady figurine, Amulets, Red Ochre Wall Paintings, Designed Clay Pots as well as the unique chamber of the 'Holy of Holies' a beautifully carved replica of a temple facade with a partially corbelled ceiling.

🔗 Read further about the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum's History

🔐 Secure Payments Guaranteed
📱 Instant Mobile eTicket included
❌ Tickets are non-refundable & non-exchangeable
🎟️ Use code 'maltainfoguide' for a 5% discount

Entrance to Ritual Chamber - Photo By @maltastudy

What to expect during your visit

• 🎧 50-minute guided tour including audio-visual introduction.
• ⏰ Timed-entry tickets to control demand and preserve the environment.
• 👥 Each tour can only allow up to 10 people.
• 📆 A handful of tours take place on each day (8 to be exact).
• 🔒 Limited group size for an exclusive experience.
• 🗣️ Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
• 📄 Visitors who can’t use the audio guide may request a written English script at least one week in advance.
• 🎒 Any backpacks you carry will be locked in lockers before entry.
• 🛍️ A small souvenir shop is available at the entrance.
• 🚪 Tours start exactly on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early as late arrivals may be refused entry.

Safety & Accessibility

• ❌ Children under 6 are not allowed.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Children aged 6–13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• 🚫 The Hypogeum is not wheelchair accessible - Only the audiovisual room and display area are wheelchair friendly.
• ⚠️ Enclosed spaces: May be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia.
• 💧 High humidity: Some areas may be slippery.
• 👟 Wear closed, comfortable shoes: Visitors wearing flip flops or high heels will be refused entry.
• 🧳 All bags must be stored in provided lockers before the tour.
• 📸 Photography and filming are strictly not allowed.

Go-to Information About The Hypogeum Premises

• 📅 Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-17:00 (Last Admission 16:00)
• ❌ Closed: 24, 25, 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday
• 🎫 Admission & Booking: Tickets must be booked in advanced. There is no walk-in tickets. Last-minute tickets are available, however very limited and are available for next day use (more info below).
• 📍 Address: Triq iċ-Ċimiterju, Raħal Ġdid (Paola), Malta

How To Book Hypogeum Malta Tour

1. Choose your date for the tour.
2. Use coupon 'maltainfoguide' for 5% discount.
3. Select number of tickets (adults, teens, children, seniors).
4. Select any additional services you require.
5. Enter your details and accommodation info.
6. In the notes section, before submitting you booking, write your preferred tour time: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, or 15:00*
7. Select your payment method**
8. Click Book & Pay

*The time you select is not a 100% guarantee until the ticket is purchased by Malta Excursions.

**When arriving in this section, the booking details are sent to you before paying, however to confirm such booking, you must pay for it.

📧 You will receive a confirmation email and if your chosen time is not available, you will be offered an alternative or the option to cancel for free.

🔐 Secure Payments Guaranteed
📱 Instant Mobile eTicket included
❌ Tickets are non-refundable & non-exchangeable
🎟️ Use code 'maltainfoguide' for a 5% discount

🎟️ Ticket Prices for the Hypogeum Tour

• 💰 Ticket prices usually range between €15 and €35, depending on the age of the visitor.
• 👉 Check live availability and pricing by clicking here.
• 🎧 All tickets include the audio guide, guided tour, and AV presentation.
• A valid Identity Card or Student card must be presented upon arrival for any students or seniors.

There is a service fee that is added for each ticket purchased.

Audio Visual Show Tickets

The audio-visual show is not available on its own. You must purchase the full tour to be able to see the show. The tours begins by seeing the audio-visual demonstration. 

The narrations are very well done with articulate information and atmospheric sounds. This illustration helps you become part of this old experience before entering the underground burial site.

Last-Minute Tickets – Are They Worth It?

Yes, they are available, however we strongly recommend avoiding them.

• 🎟️ Only available for 2 tours per day at 12:00 and 16:00.
• 📅 Tickets are valid for the next day (not same-day use).
• 🎫 Must be bought in person only at National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta.
  
• ❌ They are not available online.
• 💸 Prices are higher than normal, even for children.

Why are the Last-Minute Tickets not worth it?

• You may need to queue from 6:00am, but offices open at 9:00am.
• Only 20 tickets available per day so there are no guarantees.
• It is a waste of your holiday time.
• You miss the chance of a great discount, when you can book them online within minutes and use our code maltainfoguide for a 5% discount.

Our advice is to book in advance from the comfort of your home and avoid any hassle and stress.

🔐 Secure Payments Guaranteed
📱 Instant Mobile eTicket included
❌ Tickets are non-refundable & non-exchangeable
🎟️ Use code 'maltainfoguide' for a 5% discount

Location & How To Get There

Getting to the Hypogeum is quite simple whether you are using public transport, a rental car, or a sightseeing bus.

Private Car

• The Hypogeum in Malta is located at Ħal Saflieni Street, Paola, about 400 meters from Paola church.
• Getting there is straightforward, but parking can be tricky.
• There is no dedicated parking area, so you will need to search the nearby residential streets.

Malta Public Transport

• The Hypogeum is about a 5-minute walk from the Paola Parish Church.
• Follow the signs from the bus stop to reach the site easily.

The closest bus stops to the Hypogeum are 'Ipogew' and 'Pjazza'.

• Routes To 'Pjazza' Bus Stop (Direction to Valletta): 81, 82, 83, 84, 88, 206, X2, X3.
• Routes To 'Ipogew' Bus Stop (Direction to the South of Malta): 81, 82, 84, 85, 88, 206.
• Routes To/From Valletta: 81, 82, 83, 84, 88.

Hop-On Hop-Off Routes

• Both Malta Sightseeing and City Sightseeing Malta include the Hypogeum Malta on their Red South Route.
• The stop is located on the main road, just a 1-minute walk to the visitor centre.

Famous Sleeping Lady Figurine at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta

Questions and Answers About visiting the Hypogeum In Malta

Ancient Stone-Carved Burial Chambers - Photo By @maltastudy

What Visitors Say About The Hypogeum

“Very impressive. Be sure to buy tickets in time. Small groups. Good audio guide and lots of interesting information.” – Giu D, via TripAdvisor

"A wonderful experience! The entire visit is very well managed and absolutely fascinating." – Margot W, via TripAdvisor

"Unique place, very interesting but you have to go very far in advance to book your ticket. Be careful the ground is slippery so plan to be well put on." – Adeline, via TripAdvisor

"What a splendour... also give the audio guide in Italian that follows you all the way and explains the journey through time and descent ... beautiful unique experience. We liked it very much. Rightly for various conditions and needs we are not many visiting" – Chiara, via TripAdvisor

"This is amazing. But, you MUST book tickets months in advance. There is a tour for 10 people every 30 min. No reservations? You likely will not get inside. You can line up 2 hours before an office in Valletta opens for standby tickets- but most tours are booked full months ahead. It is unlike anything you will ever see." – KMKM, via TripAdvisor

🔐 Secure Payments Guaranteed
📱 Instant Mobile eTicket included
❌ Tickets are non-refundable & non-exchangeable
🎟️ Use code 'maltainfoguide' for a 5% discount

Hypogeum In Malta Sources

• The Pyramids at Giza were built to endure an eternity—but how?
• Archaeoacoustic Analysis of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta

Love this page? Spread the Maltese vibes on social media!

FacebookXPinterestTumblrWhatsAppMessenger

Thinking About Renting A Car For Your Holiday?

Renting a car for your holiday gives you so much freedom to explore the islands at your own pace without any possible restrictions. We personally tried Discover Cars and loved their great service and affordable prices.

Get The Best Rates On Your Car Rental Now!

Need to book a hotel for your Malta visit?

Looking for the perfect place to stay? Booking.com is always our go-to website as we know that we will find the right accommodation for the best prices possible. This super-easy platform cannot be recommended enough!

Find Your Hotel Now Using Booking.com!

By Albert and Benjamin Magro