Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex
Late Neolithic temple complex with four megalithic structures and decorated stone reliefs, reused as a cemetery in the Early Bronze Age.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex consists of four megalithic structures built in the late Neolithic period and reused during the Early Bronze Age. A farmer, Lorenzo Despott, discovered the site in 1913, and Sir Themistocles Zammit led the excavations between 1915 and 1919.
The South Structure is known for its bas-relief sculptures of spirals and animals, among them goats, bulls, pigs and a ram. The Central Structure has six chambers and traces of a corbelled roof. In the Early Bronze Age part of the site was used as a cremation cemetery.
The most vulnerable finds were moved for conservation and are kept at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Highlights
- Four megalithic structures from the late Neolithic
- Bas-relief spirals and animals in the South Structure
- Central Structure with six chambers
- Audio guide in ten languages
- Reduced entry with a Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum ticket
Permanent exhibition
- Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex – Four temple structures with reliefs of spirals and animals, set out along a walkway.
- Operated by
- Heritage Malta
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Youths aged 12 to 17, senior citizens aged 60 and over, concessions and students |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 11; infants aged 1 to 5 enter free. |
| Seniors | €4.50Senior citizens aged 60 and over. |
| Students & apprentices | €4.50Concessions and students. |
Heritage Malta members and Heritage Malta Passport holders enter free. Visitors with a Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum ticket pay 50% less at the Ħal Tarxien ticket office; the offer applies only to tickets bought at the door.
Accessibility
- 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
All areas of the site are fully accessible; a dedicated walkway is suitable for wheelchairs.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (MT, EN, ZH, DE, IT, EL, ES, FR, JA, PL) |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be requested through the Heritage Malta website. |
