Hagar Qim
Triq Hagar Qim, Qrendi
A megalithic temple complex on the island of Malta’s southern coast, Hagar Qim is one of the earliest freestanding stone buildings on Earth. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes six other Maltese megalithic temples, the complex dates back to the 4th millennium BC, and is among the best-preserved of those landmarks.
Considered by UNESCO to be “a unique architectural masterpiece” that is the product of a prehistoric culture “renowned for its remarkable architectural, artistic, and technological achievements,” the monumental Hagar Qim is one of Malta’s most important ancient landmarks. Consisting of one major temple structure—and near the neighboring complex of Mnajdra, home to three additional temple buildings—Hagar Qim is located on a clifftop by the sea. A visitor’s center provides exhibitions and background information on the temple, and the structure itself has been covered with a protective canopy to prevent the limestone from further degrading.
Hagar Qim is a popular day-trip destination for visitors to Malta. The landmark is also featured on a number of tour itineraries, from full-day temple tours to sightseeing around the island.
If visiting independently, you can purchase tickets online in advance. Admission is discounted for seniors, youths, and students, and kids age 5 and under can visit for free.
For the best seaside views, follow the waymarked nature trails near the site.
Snacks and drinks are offered in the small shop at the visitor’s center.
Visitors tend to spend between 1.5 and 3 hours at the site.
Lockers are provided for visitors with large bags or luggage.
As some of the surfaces are uneven, or composed of stone and gravel, wheelchair users may encounter difficulty accessing parts of the site.
Hagar Qim is located on the southwest coast of Malta, some 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the capital city of Valletta via Triq Mons Mikel Azzopardi; parking is available on-site. You can also reach it by bus, including the 74, the 201, or the XR, or take a guided tour.
The site is open daily, from morning to evening, except on Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. Special visits are organized for the solstices and equinoxes, providing a richer exploration of the site’s solar alignments.
Artifacts that were unearthed at Hagar Qim—including statuaries and bas-relief carvings—are now exhibited at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. The museum’s collection also includes artifacts from the country’s other megalithic complexes, as well as Bronze Age and Phoenician objects.
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