Ħaġar Qim — Attraction in Qrendi

If you're a history enthusiast, Haġar Qim is an absolute must-visit when in Malta. This ancient temple complex offers an incredible glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric past and is complemented by the nearby Mnajdra ruins, making it a captivating excursion for anyone intrigued by ancient civilisations.

Haġar Qim, dating back over 5,000 years, is perched atop a promontory with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. To the east lies a fertile plain, while to the west, the rugged garrigue slopes gently down towards the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was not built for habitation but served as a temple dedicated to worship. Among its remarkable discoveries were statues believed to be connected to fertility rites, showcasing the spiritual and cultural significance of the site. Some of these artefacts are now exhibited at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

A short 500-metre walk downhill from Haġar Qim, the Mnajdra ruins await. These contemporary structures are thought to have been used by the same community due to their close proximity. Both sites share architectural similarities that underline the sophistication of the Neolithic builders.

We visited Haġar Qim in December 2024, and it was a delightfully sunny day with temperatures hovering around 17°C. The weather added to the experience, making it comfortable to explore the site without being overwhelmed by heat. The ruins themselves are relatively small, and it doesn’t take long to walk around, but the history they encapsulate is nothing short of mind-boggling.

Having seen a documentary on Haġar Qim, I had long been fascinated by how the Neolithic builders managed to construct these temples using massive stone blocks thousands of years ago. Standing in front of these ancient structures and imagining the sheer effort and ingenuity required to erect them was an awe-inspiring experience.

Practical Information Tickets are easily available at the museum entrance, and one ticket covers both Haġar Qim and Mnajdra, making it excellent value for money. Upon entry, you can download a free audio commentary, which is available in multiple languages. This adds depth to the experience, offering detailed insights into the history and significance of the sites.

Before heading to the temples, you can also visit the on-site museum, which provides additional context about the ruins, their purpose, and the people who built them. The museum is a great starting point to fully appreciate what you’re about to see.

Haġar Qim is more than just an archaeological site—it’s a window into an ancient world. Whether you’re a history buff or simply someone who enjoys marvelling at the ingenuity of our ancestors, a visit to Haġar Qim and Mnajdra is bound to leave a lasting impression. The serene setting, coupled with the fascinating history, makes this an unforgettable experience.

If you're planning to visit, consider setting aside about 2-3 hours to take in both sites and the surrounding natural beauty. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the spectacular views as well as the...

The Ħaġar Qim Manjdra Temples (one ticket gives access to both) are five hundred meters (1/2 km) apart with an elevation change of 100-200 feet, so the stone and cement path connecting the two is quite steep. Be prepared for a challenging walk/ride back up the hill and if you are in a wheelchair or severely disabled, possibly considering another option because you will challenged by the terrain and distances and will not see much (unlike Tarxien, which is wheelchair friendly as well as being a much nicer and more inexpensive complex). For the younger and more fit, there are several hiking trails stemming from the path between the temples, taking you to other local sites and beautiful vistas of the sea and local island below.

These neolithic temples, dating back (like Tarxien) to approximately 2,600 years B.C., pre-date Stonehenge by 100 years or so, and are much more extensive than their English counterpart. The monoliths are equally as impressive, but, unlike Stonehenge, these have been excavated and restored, giving you a much better idea of what the were like nearly 5,000 years ago.

None of the individual temples (Tarxien, Ħaġar Qim or Manjdra) are very large (400-600 square meters) and can be seen in much less than an hour unless you are an archeologist or professional photographer. In the case of Ħaġar Qim or Manjdra, most of your time will be spent in the museum as you enter the complex, which has an amazing, yet short, 4D introduction video with 3D graphics as well as scents, mist and other sensory experiences throughout the show, and walking the 500 meters between temples.

The prices are higher than most neolithic sites on Malta and Gozo, but are fairly reasonable at €10 for adults and €7.50 for seniors/students and €5.50 for children, considering the fact that you get two temples for the price of one as well as an amazing video and view of the Mediterranean.

You can take the Hop On, Hop Off busses here or Malta Public Transport (bus - €3 each round trip) to the Hagar Bus Stop, served by the #74 (Valletta Bus) and #201 (Airport). You can easily connect to the #74 at Valletta's Main Bus Terminus or #201 at the airport from pretty much anywhere on Malta.

CombatCritic Gives Ħaġar Qim 8 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More...

Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Park (Qrendi, Malta) Period: Ġgantija Phase (3600–3200 BCE) – Older than the pyramids! UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of Megalithic Temples of Malta) What’s Inside Ħaġar Qim? The Megalithic Temple Complex Main Temple : Massive limestone slabs (one weighs 20+ tons! ). Decorated altars with spiral carvings and animal motifs. Oracle Hole – A small aperture that creates echoes (possibly used in rituals). "Fat Lady" statues (originals in Valletta’s National Museum). Smaller Adjacent Temple : Linked by a paved corridor, with libation holes for offerings.

Solar Alignments Summer Solstice Sunrise – Light passes through a hole, illuminating a stone slab. Equinox Alignment – Shadows align with carved markers. Unique Features "Hagar Qim’s Pillow" – A globigerina limestone block with mysterious spherical holes. Outer "Bench Wall" – Possibly for gatherings or rituals. Mnajdra Temples (Nearby, Included in Ticket) Three linked temples (3600–2500 BCE) with astronomical alignments (equinox & solstice). Why Visit? ✅ Best preserved solar aligned temple in Malta. ✅ Stunning coastal views (clifftop location). ✅ Interactive visitor center with 4D films. Visiting Info Entry: ~€10 (includes Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra). Hours: 9 AM–6 PM (summer), closes earlier in winter. Shade: Protective tent covers the temple (since 2009). Tip: Visit at sunrise (especially June 21) for...