Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Prehistoric underground burial complex of the Neolithic, carved over three levels and entered only with a pre-booked ticket.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground burial complex in Paola, close to the Grand Harbour. It was in use between about 4000 BC and 1500 BC and covers roughly 500 square metres. The site was found by accident in 1902 and was excavated until 1911. In 1981 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The complex is cut into globigerina limestone and has three levels: an upper, a middle and a lower one. The deepest chamber lies 10.6 metres below road level. To protect the fragile environment, only ten people are allowed inside at any one time, which is why tickets must be booked in advance.
The small statuette known as the Sleeping Lady, one of the best-known finds from the Hypogeum, is not shown on site but at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. A virtual tour of the Hypogeum is available online.
Highlights
- Underground burial complex on three levels, in use from about 4000 BC to 1500 BC
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981
- Deepest chamber 10.6 metres below road level
- Audio guide in seven languages
- Only ten visitors inside at any one time
Permanent exhibition
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – Guided entry into the three-level prehistoric burial complex cut into the limestone.
- Operated by
- Heritage Malta
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €35 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €20Youths aged 12 to 17, senior citizens aged 60 and over, concessions and students |
| Children & teens | €15Children aged 6 to 11. Infants aged 1 to 5 are not admitted. |
| Seniors | €20Senior citizens aged 60 and over. |
| Students & apprentices | €20Concessions and students. |
| Last-minute ticket | €50Sold the day before the visit on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Heritage Malta members and Heritage Malta Passport holders enter free. A maximum of four tickets can be bought per person; families of more than four must show identification for every family member. A Hypogeum ticket bought in advance gives 50% off admission to the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex when bought at the door there.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Some areas cannot be fully accessed by visitors with reduced mobility. An access statement is available on the Heritage Malta website.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 6+
- Baby changing facilities
Children under six are not admitted.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Heritage Malta points visitors to the public transport journey planner at publictransport.com.mt.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Lockers
Gift shop and lockers; indoor and outdoor seating area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes (MT, EN, DE, IT, ES, FR, JA) |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is not allowed inside, for conservation reasons. |
| Good to know | Pre-booking is a must. Only ten people may be on site at one time. |
