Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hypogeum at a glance

This prehistoric rock-cut temple is the only monument of its kind in the world. It's a complex of interconnected galleries, tunnels and small rooms set on 3 underground levels.

The temple covers an area of about 500 square metres (5,381 square feet). The oldest parts of the complex are believed to date back to 4000 BC. The most interesting parts of the Hypogeum are the Oracle Room, the Decorated Room and the Holy of Holies.

Among the finds recovered from the Hypogeum are beads, amulets, statuettes, pottery, animal representations, and human skeletons. Most of these treasures, along with the famous Sleeping Lady found in the temple, are housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

A unique monument

The beauty of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum lies in the complexity of the underground tunnel system and the date on which this underground temple was built. The upper level, the oldest, dates back to 4000 BC, while the lower level was excavated between 2500 and 3150 BC.

At this time, the civilisations that inhabited Malta used quite advanced techniques and even carved decorative motifs on the door stones and decorated the interior of the temple with red pigment.

The different rooms of the Hypogeum are carved directly into the rock, in different shapes and are connected by narrow passages. Throughout the temple, burial chambers were found with remains of human bones, animal offerings and amulets.

Interesting facts and mysteries

Since the discovery of the Hypogeum in 1902, this prehistoric underground temple has attracted much interest, especially due to curious finds at the site:

• It was discovered by chance during work on some pipes. The workers, fearful that the work would be stopped and they would be out of a job, hid the discovery, ignoring its value. Excavations didn't begin until 2 years later.
• A series of elongated skulls with genetic anomalies were found among the skeletons which then gave rise to all sorts of theories.
• Any sound played in the Oracle Hall resonates throughout the temple, producing physical and mental effects on humans.
• For many years an urban legend circulated that a group of schoolchildren disappeared in the tunnels of the Hypogeum during an excursion.
   

Visit the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Due to the historical importance of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the desire to keep its appearance intact, visits to this must-see Maltese monument are limited to very small groups. We recommend that you book your visit well in advance and arrive at the site in plenty of time.