ta' hagrat temples

part of our megalithic temples

Ta’ Hagrat megalithic temples lies within Mgarr village. Dating back between 3300 and 3000 BC, it forms part of the group of megalithic temples which have been been inscribed with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is home to two well preserved temple structures.

The smaller one touches the bigger one on the north side. It is located on the periphery of the Zebbieh inhabited area on the outskirts of Mgarr village and about one kilometer from Ta’ Scorba Temple.

The older temple is dated 3,600 - 3,000 BCE (Ggantija Phase) and the smaller 3,300 - 3,000 BCE Saflieni Phase. It is known that the temples were constructed on an older site which dates from 4,100 - 3,800 BCE.

Photo from Flickr by Tim Jones

The site was excavated in 1923 by Sir Temi Zammit and once more between 1925 and 1927 with the direction of G.G. Sinclair. During 1937 all the site was rehabilitated.

The evidence of a village that stood on this site is through the abundance of pottery found. This potter dates back to 3800 – 3600 BCE (Mgarr phase) meaning that it existed before the temples themselves.

The most significant of this site is not from the actual remain but what was actually found during the excavations.

This gives light to the earliest inhabitants of Malta such importance led to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most important finding was the discovery of a small limestone model of a roofed building. It is now exhibited at the Valletta National Museum of Archaeology.

It is uncovered like the Skorba site close by and can be appreciated in its original natural environment. Temple is rather small and a visit takes not much more than a half an hour.

This temple is not enclosed by tourist ramps and paths like other sites.

How to Get Here

Follow the main road of Mgarr. On the right side there is the government primary school. In front of it there is a short road down to the temples.

Parking is not a problem just outside the entrance gate.

by car

Hagrat temples, located in Mgarr is very close to the Mgarr parish church.

Parking is very easy in its vicinity.

public transport

The bus stop is only 2 minutes away on foot.

To 'Teatrali' Bus Stop (Direction to Valletta): Direct routes 44, 101, 238.
To 'Teatrali' Bus Stop (Direction to Mgarr): Direct routes 44, 101
To/From Valletta: Direct Routes 238

map of ta hagrat temples

Admission Details To Visit This Site

opening hours

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays between 9:00 and 16:00.
Hagrat Temples are closed on 24th, 25th & 31st December, 1st January & Good Friday.

admission fees

You cannot buy tickets when you arrive at the premises. You will not be allowed on site without ticket. You have a number of choices from where to purchase tickets to Hagrat and a combined ticket to Skorba.

From Heritage Malta Website online.
From a Heritage Malta museum.
Mgarr Local Council from Monday and Saturday at 09:00 and 12:00. Public holidays excluded.
'Farmers Bar', Zebbieh (next to skorba) and 'Mgarr Snack Bar', Mgarr village square.

Multi site tickets and Heritage Malta membership tickets can also be used.

only ta' hagrat temples ticket

Adults (18 – 59 years): €3.50
Youths (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), and Students: €3.00
Children (6 – 11 years): €2.50
Infants (1 – 5 years): Free

ta' hagrat & skorba temples combined ticket

Adults (18 – 59 years): €6.00
Youths (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), Students and Children: €5.00
Infants (1 – 5 years): Free