how long is the hypogeum tour in malta

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experience the Hypogeum in Malta tour

Amazing trip back thousands of years book early not to be disappointed.

Date Last Updated: 16th August 2023

Hypogeum in Malta, also known as Ħal Saflieni  Hypogeum is  one of Malta's oldest burial ground dating back to 4000 BC.  Why not take the opportunity to visit the world's most fascinating underground burial site while on your holiday in Malta.

For those who love history, Hypogeum is a must. So if you intend travelling to Malta you have to book much in advance.

It is an unusual location where thousands of people visit each yearly.  With only a limit of 10 people per tour, (Maximum 8 tours per day) we highly recommend that you book months before due to high demand.

It is  recognised as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites  for its  outstanding prehistoric importance.  It is the  only known subterranean structure of the Bronze Age  with three levels underneath each other.

Translated pages for Hypogeum in Malta:

• Italian - Ipogeo Di Malta
• German -  Hypogäum Auf Malta
• French - H ypogée À Malte

What You Need To Know About Hypogeum in Malta

• A Guide On How to Book Your Tour
• Hypogeum in Malta Tickets
• How To Get Here
• Hal Saflieni Hypogeum Admission

Practical Information About The Tour

How To Book Hypogeum Malta Tour

• Firstly,  select the date when you would like to attend this tour.
• Enter   'maltainfoguide'  in the coupon box to get a  5% discount .
• Secondly,  select the number of adults ,  teens ,  children  and/or  senior citizens  which will attend the tour.
• After you have selected the information,  click confirm selection.
• The next step is to  fill up the form with your accommodation and personal details .
• Choose your  payment method.
• In the comments section you MUST enter the time you wish to go on the tour. The times are 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
• After submitting the booking, you will receive an email from Malta Excursion to confirm with you that the time is available. If not, they will give you an alternative time if available or you can change the date. If you wish to cancel your booking since you prefered time and date is not available, then you may do so for free.
• Then  click Book & Pay .

Enter  'maltainfoguide'  in the coupon box to get a  5% discount Tickets purchased are  not refundable  or  exchangeable . eTicket (Mobile Ticket) available

Ticket Prices To Hypogeum In Malta

• Eight Guided tours each day.
• Each tour can only allow up to 10 people.
• Length of each tour is 50 minutes long.

Guided Tours Tickets

• To check for availability and prices, click here .

There is a service fee for every ticket purchased.

A valid Identity Card or Student card must be presented upon arrival for any students or seniors.

Audio Visual Show Tickets

The audio-visual show is not available on its own. You must purchase the full tour to be able to see the show. The tours begins by seeing the audio-visual demonstration. 

The narrations are very well done with articulate information and atmospheric sounds. This illustration helps you become part of this old experience before entering the underground burial site.

Are there last Minute tickets?

• Yes, there are, but we DO NOT recommend them.
• The price is much higher for everyone, including children.
• Last-minute tickets are only available for only two tours daily at 12:00 and 16:00.
• When buying these tickets they are valid for the day after and not for that current day.
• The tickets are not available online but you will need to purchase them the day before from Fort St Elmo in Valletta or the Hypogeum premises at Paola.

Are the last minute tickets worth it?

• NO they are not. Why?
• As it is a hassle while on holiday as you waste so much time in the queue and to get there, when you can pre-book your tickets from the comfort of your home by  clicking this button  and also you can also get a 5% discount on your total by entering 'maltainfoguide' in the coupon box.
• People often start queuing at 06:00 am and the office opens at 09:00. At the same time you are not sure if you will get a ticket as only 20 tickets are available.
• Your chance of getting a last-minute ticket is quite low.

Hypogeum Malta How To Get There

Private car.

Hypogeum in Malta is located at Hal Saflieni Street, Paola.  It is around 400 meters away from Paola church.

Getting to Hypogeum is quite easy. Parking close to the premises might be slightly difficult as it is situated in a residential area. A parking area is not available so you will have to go round the neighbouring streets to find.

Malta Public Transport

Follow the signs from the bus stop. It is around 5 minutes walk away from the Paola Parish church.

The two bus stops closest to Hypogeum in Malta are ' Ipogew ' and ' Pjazza '.

• To ' Pjazza ' Bus Stop (Direction to Valletta) :  Direct routes 81, 82, 83, 84, 88, 206, X2, X3.
• To ' Ipogew ' Bus Stop (Direction to the South of Malta) :  Direct routes 81, 82, 84, 85, 88, 206.
• To/From Valletta: Direct Routes 81, 82, 83, 84, 88.

Hop-On Hop-Off Routes:

• The Red South Route for both sightseeing operators namely Malta Sightseeing & City Sightseeing Malta pass from here with a stop at the main road a minute walk to the visitors centre.

Since the tour will be with a group and a guide they all start on schedule so leave substantial time to get there in order to be on time.

Admission to the Hypogeum Malta

We suggest that you consider booking the tickets from here . Often fully booked from weeks in advance.

opening hours

• Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
• Last admission 16:00
• Closed on 24th, 25th and 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday.
• Tours start exactly on time. You must  arrive 15 minutes before . Late arrivals might be refused to enter.
• Tours lasts for  50 minutes.
• You are advised to wear comfortable closed shoes  for safety reasons due to high humidity levels.
• No sandals are permitted.

• No filming and photography  are permitted inside the premises even without the flash.
• Any  backpacks you carry they will be locked up in lockers before you enter.
• Children under the age of 6   years are not permitted inside the premises due to health and safety reasons.
• If there are persons who might be sensitive to claustrophobia  they might have some discomfort.
• The  audio-visual presentation is accessible to wheelchairs within the Visitors Centre. 
• The  Hypogeum in  Malta  archaeological underground temple is NOT accessible to wheelchairs .
• For visitors who cannot use the audio guide provided at the Visitor’s Centre, they may request a written copy of the script in English at least a week before their visit.
• At the entrance there is a small souvenir shop where you can purchase a souvenir.

Hypogeum Malta is a unique must see attraction.

Get your Hypogeum Tour Tickets

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Home » Malta's rich history » Malta's Megalithic temples » Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The unique Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum underground temple in Paola (Malta)

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a unique gem dating as far back as 4000 BC. The site is an underground complex made up of several interconnecting chambers spread on three levels, located in the village of Paola, Malta (also referred to as Raħal Ġdid locally). The UNESCO World Heritage centre describes it as being of Outstanding Universal Value  [ 1 ] .

Experts believe that the Hypogeum was originally a sanctuary, a place for prayer and worship, which later became a burial site. Excavations, which began as early as 1904, revealed a wealth of findings, such as decorated pottery items, buttons made of shells, stone beads and amulets, little stone carved animals and birds that may have been worn as pendants as well as stone and clay figurines of human figures.

The most striking of these figures is the iconic fat woman lying on a couch, known as the ‘Sleeping Lady’ now on display at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Apart from these artefacts, the excavators also found the remains of some 7,000 human bodies. The bones helped researchers understand the prehistoric burial rituals and how our ancestors celebrated death.

More info about similar sites in Malta:  Uncovering Malta’s Megalithic Temples (including map)

Buy Hypogeum tickets

The Hypogeum allows only 10 persons per guided tour, which means you should buy your tickets well in advance !

You can buy tickets online here.

The temple’s structure and interior

The most distinctive feature of the Hypogeum is most certainly the red ochre paintings that decorate some of the walls. These are the oldest and only prehistoric paintings recorded on the Maltese Islands.

The chambers, made to resemble other temple structures found around Malta, were cut into soft globigerina limestone using very basic tools made out of rock and animal bones. The whole complex was hewn out of the side of a hill with the builders going down to 10.60 m below ground level.

The Ħal Saflieni mystery

During excavations, archaeologists found the remains of some 7,000 human bodies. The bones helped researchers understand more about prehistoric burial rituals and how our ancestors celebrated death. But that’s not all. A number of these skulls had peculiar deformities, others showed signs of surgery, and stranger yet, a number of elongated skulls were found among them, causing a stir of debates and theories as to their origin  [ 2 ] .

One of these skulls even lacked the Fossa median (the join that runs along the top of the skull). These skulls, some of which used to be on display at the National Museum of Archeology in  Valletta , are similar to others found in Egypt and also in South America. This has led to speculation especially when these skulls disappeared from the museum for unknown reasons  [ 3 ]  in 1985. The Ħal Saflieni mystery remains.

Conservation project and re-opening

After having been closed to the public in 2017, the Hypogeum has reopened to the public and now offers an upgraded visitors’ centre and much improved audio guide to give you a much better experience.

Why you should visit the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

• The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is the only underground burial prehistoric site in Malta.
• It is over 6,000 years old and contains some unique features such as the red ochre cave paintings. These are the oldest and only prehistoric paintings in Malta.
• The place gives insight on how other above ground sites may have looked like when they were still intact.

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How to get there

To get to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum you can catch a ride on bus routes 84, 85 or 88 from the main bus terminus at Valletta. The trip takes around 40 minutes.

Visiting the Hypogeum

Important notes.

• For conservation reasons, only 10 visitors per tour are allowed inside the complex, which also means it’s important to  book well in advance !
• Photography and filming on site is not allowed inside the building and temple.

Visiting hours

The Hypogeum is open Monday to Sunday between 09.00 and 16.00hrs with a maximum of 8 tours each day.

Some recommendations when visiting the Hypogeum:

• The site is underground with low ceilings and small spaces, which might cause discomfort to people susceptible to claustrophobia
• Comfortable shoes should be worn to avoid slipping since some areas are very slippery due to high humidity levels
• The Hypogeum is not wheelchair friendly.

Contact details

Burial Street, Paola PLA 1116 Tel: +356 21 805 019

Entrance fees

• Seniors (60+): €20
• Adults (18 – 59 years): €35
• Youths (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), and Students: €20
• Children (6 – 11 years): €15
• Infants (1 – 5 years): No admission due to health and safety reasons

Access to the Hypogeum is limited to 10 persons per guided tour, so you should buy tickets well in advance due to this site’s popularity.

You can purchase tickets online here.

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References and further reading

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni and an unknown race with elongated skulls
• The Mystery of Malta’s Long-Headed Skulls

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Explore the beauty of Malta, Gozo and Comino

5 Reasons to Explore Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta Now (With Insider Tips)

Credit: Photo by xiquinhosilva , licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

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If you are interested in Malta’s ancient history, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum should be on your list. This guide will be your map to understanding this ancient underground site.  I will share unique insights into the Hypogeum’s history, architecture and tips for your visit.

Since I moved to Malta in 2011, my fascination with its history and beauty has grown. I’ve explored the Hypogeum and other historic places here. And, I’m excited to share why the Hypogeum is worth visiting and useful tips for your trip.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum?

Visiting the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum requires a booking in advance but it’s worth it. Here are my 5 reasons why:

Unique Structure : The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum stands out as the only known underground labyrinth in Europe. It dates back to between 4000 B.C. and 2500 B.C., and it is well-preserved.

Historical Significance : It’s a World Heritage Site, showcasing Neolithic history.

Neolithic Art : Discover rare red ochre paintings and fascinating figurines.

Ancient Architecture : Admire the crafted chambers and roofs.

Interactive Tour : A 45-minute guided journey with an audio guide and video installation.

What is Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum?

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta is a neolithic burial site, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Inside, you can find three levels of chambers and rooms, some with red ochre wall paintings. This site teaches us about ancient Malta. We can learn about how people lived, what they believed and the artistic expressions of those times.

The Neolithic period is also known as the New Stone Age. This is when people began to farm and live in settled communities. This era is famous for its large stone structures.

Connecting the Hypogeum to Malta’s Ancient Temples

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum shares a connection with other Neolithic temples in Malta. Like these aboveground temples, the Hypogeum showcases similar architectural styles and designs.

For example, both have trilithon doorways and similar megalithic structures. It suggests that the people who built these sites had the same cultural practices.

Discovery of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Workers building houses in Paola found the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum around 1900.

They found an underground burial site with many rooms and chambers carved out of rock. The findings revealed many Neolithic treasures.

The roof was decorated with carvings that looked like those on megalithic structures above ground. Pendants, miniature pots and various red ochre wall paintings were also found.

Among the fascinating finds were three ‘Sleeping’ figurines. The most famous is “The Sleeping Lady”. You can’t see it in the Hypogeum. It’s on display at the Valletta National Museum of Archaeology .

Credit: Photo by rob koopman , licenced under  CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Exploring the Levels of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta is a remarkable three-level underground structure. Each level offers unique insights into the Neolithic era.

Upper Level : This is the oldest part of the Hypogeum. It has open spaces and small burial chambers. Significant finds here include freestanding megaliths.

Intermediate Level : Serves as a transition between the upper and lower levels. It features oval rooms, burial spaces and water basins.

Lower Level : It is famous for its impressive architecture and art. This level contains the famous ‘oracle chamber’. It has unique acoustic properties and intricate red ochre paintings.

Each level of the Hypogeum reveals Neolithic society’s sophistication and skills. It makes Hypogeum a crucial site for understanding this ancient period.

Ancient Lives and Mysteries: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Archaeologists have learned much about ancient life from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. They found figurines and intricate pendants, suggesting personal belongings and beliefs. The site’s chambers and wall paintings display advanced craftsmanship and artistry.

Yet, many mysteries remain. We still don’t know the exact purpose of some spaces or the meaning of red ochre paintings. This mystery continues to fascinate scholars and visitors alike.

Preservation efforts of Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Since its public opening, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum has seen significant changes. Notable was the fading of its unique paintings and algae growth due to light exposure. Now, strict measures apply to protect this ancient site for future generations.

Preservation efforts include limiting visitor numbers and controlling artificial light levels. Also, technology for microclimate monitoring is in place. These measures, initiated in 1991, help maintain the site’s integrity. It ensures its preservation for future generations.

The museum only allows 10 visitors per hour. The site remains dark, only lit during visits, to preserve its integrity. The lighting in the chambers is set up to turn on one after another. This means that as you walk, only the items in front of you are lit. I like it because it creates a mysterious atmosphere.

To protect the delicate environment, photo cameras are not allowed. This policy ensures the longevity of the site’s unique features.

Visitors navigate through the Hypogeum on walkways. These paths are safe, complete with railings, and protect the fragile rock formations beneath.

If you want to understand Malta’s history well, take a walking tour in Valletta. Look at my guide for the best Valletta walking tours .

How to Get to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

By bus : Buses run frequently and connect various parts of the island to Paola, where the Hypogeum is located. Check Google Maps or this website for routes and schedules.

By taxi: For a faster trip, consider a taxi. Malta’s taxi apps are Uber, Bolt, and eCabs. It’s a good idea to compare prices across these services for the most affordable deal.

By car: If you’re driving, be aware that there is no dedicated parking at the Hypogeum. It’s free to park on the streets, but spaces can be difficult to find. I experienced this firsthand and was almost late for my visit. To avoid stress, arrive early to find a spot. Alternatively, park in the private car park here . It’s close to the Hypogeum.

Getting There:

• Location: link to  Google Maps
• Nearest bus stop: Ipogew
• Walking distance from the bus stop: 5 minutes
• Frequency of the buses: every 30 minutes or less
• Parking available: street parking but limited. A private car park is available here .

Tips for Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, it’s helpful to know a few key details:

Buying tickets: To visit the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, buy tickets online. Adult tickets cost 30 euros per person. The number of visitors each day is limited, so tickets often sell out.

It’s wise to buy them 2-3 months before your visit. For example, when I wanted to visit in the summer, the earliest available tickets were for October.

Last-minute tickets: Securing last-minute tickets for the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is quite challenging. There are only 20 available daily for the next day. These tickets are only sold at Fort St Elmo and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology. Yet, the process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a gamble. To ensure your visit, it’s wiser to book your tickets well in advance.

Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked tour time. This ensures you have ample time to check in and prepare for the tour.

Accessibility: The Hypogeum is not accessible to wheelchair users or persons with mobility impairments.

Photography: To preserve the site, photography is not allowed inside the Hypogeum.

Restrictions: Children under 6 years are not admitted for conservation reasons.

Facilities: There are no on-site parking facilities, and street parking is limited. It’s advisable to consider this when planning your visit to the site.

Souvenir and bookshop: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum also features a souvenir and bookshop. Here, visitors can buy books and other items related to the Hypogeum and Malta’s other historical sites.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: FAQ

Absolutely. It’s Europe’s only known underground ‘labyrinth’ from around 4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C., remarkably preserved. The tour is fascinating, covering the site discovery and its findings. You’ll enjoy an audio tour in various languages, lasting about 45 minutes, packed with interesting information.

It’s a prehistoric burial site dating from 4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C., known for its intricate underground chambers and red ochre paintings.

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes an audio guide and video installations for a comprehensive experience.

The Hypogeum extends several meters underground, across multiple levels. The deepest room in the lower level, with four side niches, is 10.6 meters below road level.

Famous for its complex underground structure, it provides valuable insights into Neolithic life, including the notable Sleeping Lady artefact. It dates back between 4000 B.C. and 2500 B.C.

The Sleeping Lady dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C.

It was primarily constructed as a burial site, but it may have also served other ceremonial purposes.

The Hypogeum was built by the Neolithic inhabitants of Malta. Details about the specific builders remain unknown.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a must-see because it’s a rare piece of history you can’t find anywhere else in Europe. Remember, book your tickets early to avoid missing out.

Also, take a look at my other guides for more great places to visit in Malta , like Malta’s top historical sites , UNESCO sites , Valletta , the Three Cities , Mdina , Mnajdra Temples , and Ta’ Bistra Catacombs . They’ll make your trip even more amazing!

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Hypogeum of Malta

Discovered by chance in 1902 by workers from Paola, the Malta Hypogeum (The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum) is a unique case in the world of an underground prehistoric cemetery built in the rock between 3300 and 2500 years BC.

Visit the Hypogeum of Malta

The hypogeum has three levels: the oldest (3600 BC) is the highest, the most recent (2500 BC) is 10 meters deep.

Succession of corridors and chambers cut in the stone, the Hypogeum of Malta has a surface of approximately 500 square meters. Archaeologists have discovered the bones of 7000 people in rooms of different shapes and sizes: The rock walls, worked with small stone tools, with a remarkable finish, offer a truly unique architectural masterpiece.

A visit to the Hypogeum of Malta is an unforgettable experience during your stay in the Maltese archipelago. Excavations throughout the 20ᵉ century have uncovered pottery, beads and amulets (offerings to the dead) animal sculptures and figurines that can be seen at the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta . But the visit prevails especially by its strange atmosphere, questions: why these so ingenious prehistoric men built the Hypogeum in this place?

Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1980, the Hypogeum of Malta raises questions and is still the subject of studies; it has not given up all its secrets, especially on the acoustics and the presence of double hertzian frequencies…

How to visit the Hypogeum of Malta?

You must book your visit well in advance, as only 80 people per day (in groups of 10 per hour), can access it. For safety reasons, children under 6 years of age are not allowed in the Malta Hypogeum. Price: 15 to 35 euros depending on your age Opening hours of the Malta Hypogeum: From 9 am to 5 pm.

Click on the button below to see the availability of the hypogeum and to reserve.

How to get to the Hypogeum of Malta?

Address: Burial Street in Paola (Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni) To get there by bus: from Valletta: (about 20 min) routes 1-2-3-91-92-93, stop at Paola then follow the signs “Hypogeum” (10 min walk)

Practical advice for visiting the Hypogeum of Malta

At the entrance, you must leave your bags and cameras in the “lockers”. The guide will give you an audioguide to follow the comments in French. A video documentary (a bit old-fashioned!) is proposed before the descent into the Hypogeum. Allow 50 minutes for the visit. Tip: Wear flat shoes with good grip, as the course is sometimes slippery, and a sweater in summer, as the atmosphere is cool and humid.

• July 13, 2023

Alex | Editor of My Little Malta Passionate about Malta for many years. I love writing articles of the best recommendations for trips and visits to these wonderful islands.

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A Smithsonian magazine special report

Malta’s Hypogeum, One of the World’s Best Preserved Prehistoric Sites, Reopens to the Public

The complex of excavated cave chambers includes a temple, cemetery and funeral hall

Stacey McKenna

This month, one of the world’s best preserved prehistoric sites — a 6,000-year-old underground burial chamber on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta — reopened to the public. Last June, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, one of Europe’s only known neolithic necropolises, closed for a series of improvements to its environmental management system. Its reopening brings updates that will enhance conservation and ongoing data collection while improving visitor access and experience.

Archaeological evidence suggests that around 4,000 BCE, the people of Malta and Gozo began building with the purpose of ritualizing life and death. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, one of the first and most famous of such complexes, is an underground network of alcoves and corridors carved into soft Globigerina limestone just three miles from what is now the capital city of Valletta. The builders expanded existing caves and over the centuries excavated deeper, creating a temple, cemetery and funeral hall that would be used throughout the Żebbuġ, Ġgantija and Tarxien periods. Over the next 1,500 years, known as the Temple Period, above-ground megalith structures cropped up throughout the archipelago, many with features that mirror their subterranean counterparts.

Whatever remained of the above-ground megalithic enclosure that once marked the Hypogeum’s entrance was destroyed by industrialization during the late 1800s. Now, visitors enter through a modernized lobby, then descend a railed walkway and move chronologically through two of the site’s three tiers, glimpsing along the way evidence of the structure's dual role as worship and burial place.

The Hypogeum’s oldest and uppermost level consists of a passageway, access to a cistern below, a courtyard-like space dug into the promontory and five low-roofed burial chambers carved out of pre-existing caves. Archaeologists believe this is where funerary processions likely began, and Heritage Malta has kept an original grave intact. The middle level is the most ornate. It is also where archaeologists believe the bulk of ritual activity took place. In the “Oracle Room,” an oblong chamber measuring more than five meters long, niches in the walls create amplified and echoing acoustic effects, much like those at the Oracle of Delphi. The “Holy of Holies” is carved to look like many of the Hypogeum’s contemporary above-ground temples. In front of its entrance, two linked holes in the ground may have been used to collect libations or solid offerings. Visitors exit via a spiral staircase before entering the Hypogeum’s youngest and deepest level. The third tier reaches 10 meters into the earth and consists of five spaces, each less than five meters in diameter, that give access to smaller rooms that served as mass graves.

Like other megalith structures in Malta, the Hypogeum fell out of use by 2,500 BCE. The ancient necropolis wasn’t rediscovered until 1902, when construction workers accidentally found one of the chambers while excavating a well for a housing subdivision. It would be two more years before formal excavation took place and another four until the site opened to the public.

The Hypogeum provides insights into Malta’s Temple Culture and its contemporary above-ground structures. Archaeologists estimate over 6,000 people were buried at the site and have found beads, amulets, intricate pottery and carved figurines alongside the bones. Several chambers are still decorated with black and white checkerboards and red ochre spirals and honey-combs, the only prehistoric paintings found on the island. Corbeled ceilings hint at how the ancient people of Malta supported roofs on the abundant above-ground buildings, now in ruins, found throughout the islands. "[It] gives us a chance to see what [the Hypogeum’s] contemporary temple structures might have looked like on the inside," says Heritage Malta curator MariaElena Zammit.

According to Zammit, the Hypogeum and its artifacts held up over the millennia largely thanks to its encapsulation. "The Hypogeum is completely underground, completely closed, so it’s humid," she says. That moisture "keeps the salt in the stone soluble, preventing flaking. In other [temples throughout Malta], the surface is dissolving in places… [The Hypogeum] is held together by humidity."

Without Heritage Malta’s careful control, the very presence of visitors to the ancient site would endanger its preservation. Curious fingertips leave behind visible oils that degrade any coloring and even the limestone itself. Pathway-illuminating artificial lights encourage the growth of microorganisms, and the daily succession of warm, breathing bodies alters CO2 levels, airflow, temperature and humidity. So, while guides encourage tourists to play with the acoustics in the “Oracle Chamber,” visitors are prohibited from speaking directly into the echoing niche.

Preservation efforts first began in earnest in 1991, when the site closed for nearly a decade. The project resulted in walkways, visitor limitations, regulation of artificial light levels and an early but now outdated environmental control system. More intensive monitoring began in 2011, as part of a grant from the European Economic Area to preserve the Unesco site for future generations, and those data, collected over a period of six years, provided the basis for the new environmental management system.

The Hypogeum’s newest preservation efforts include both passive and active measures, from improved insulation to better control humidity and temperature to modernized technology for studying microorganism growth and tracking real-time changes to the site’s microclimate. "Data will continue to be gathered and analyzed to continually assess the performance of the system installed, as well as [to] monitor the behavior of the site," says Zammit.

Many of the changes won’t be visible to visitors: Ducts hide behind walls and the air handling units and chillers sit atop the visitor’s center roof. However, tourists will find a cleaner, more modern visitor center with high-pressure laminate panels, replacing mold-prone carpeting, and a new buffer system that gradually increases humidity between the welcome area and the main site.

The most exciting change for visitors will be the enhanced interpretation and virtual tour option. In 2000 after its first major preservation efforts, Heritage Malta limited site tours to 80 individuals per day. That number still stands, so visitors must  book  weeks or even months in advance to tour the Hypogeum in person. Furthermore, low lighting and slick walkways render the site inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. To help meet demand, the visitor’s center is now equipped with audiovisual technology that allows an additional 70 people to virtually tour the site daily from its lobby. "Thus," says Zammit, "Heritage Malta will be implementing its mission by making the site more accessible to more members of the community."

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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

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The Hypogeum (from the Greek, meaning 'underground') is a subterranean necropolis, discovered during building work in 1902. To visit is to step into a mysterious and silent world. Its halls, chambers and passages, immaculately hewn out of the rock, cover some 500 sq metres; it is thought to date from around 3600 to 3000 BC, and an estimated 7000 bodies may have been interred here. Note that prebooking online is essential; try to book around three months before your visit.

The ancient workers mimicked built masonry in carving out these underground chambers, and exploited the rock's natural weaknesses and strengths to carve out the spaces by hand and create a safe underground structure. Carbon dioxide exhaled by visiting tourists did serious damage to the delicate limestone walls of the burial chambers, and it was closed to the public for 10 years up to mid-2000. It has been restored with Unesco funding; the microclimate is now strictly controlled and visitor numbers to the site are limited (10 per tour and eight tours per day).

A few last-minute tickets for the noon and 4pm tours are available the day prior from Fort St Elmo in Valletta or the Gozo Museum of Archaeology. A 20-minute audiovisual presentation is also available at the Hypogeum. This does not need to be booked in advance but does not include access to the Hypogeum itself. For health and safety reasons, children under the age of six cannot visit the Hypogeum.

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Ħal saflieni hypogeum, burial street, paola, pla 1116, malta.

The Hypogeum, or underground cavity, is a unique monument and superb example of architecture in the negative. Excavation has yielded a wealth of archaeological material including pottery, human bones, personal ornaments such as beads and amulets, little carved animals and larger figurines.

The Hypogeum consists of halls, chambers and passages hewn out of the living rock and covering some 500 square metres. The rock-cut chambers are of diverse shapes and sizes, finished to different standards of workmanship. The complex is grouped in three levels – the upper level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC) and the lower level (3150 -2500 BC). The deepest room in the lower level is 10.6 metres under road surface. The upper level consists of a large hollow with a central passage and burial chambers cut on each side. The middle level consists of various chambers very smoothly finished, which give the impression of built masonry.

To ensure its conservation, the site’s microclimate is strictly regulated. For this reason, the site is open to a limited number of visitors each day. A tour of the site starts with a brief introductory exhibition and multilingual audio-visual presentation focusing on the temple building peoples and the Hypogeum’s relationship to Malta’s temple sites. To plan your sightseeing, we advise that you book ahead as tours are often full up to weeks in advance. You can book online for most of the tours by accessing the Heritage Malta website using the links below. Tickets are also available in person from the Hypogeum Visitor Centre in Paola and from the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

From Monday to Sunday, 8 tours will be conducted daily, starting on the hour from 9.00 till 16.00 (last tour).

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• Contact: Heritage Malta
• Phone: +356 21805019
• Phone: +356 22954000
• Fax: +356 21222900
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.heritagemalta.org

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• How to get there: Simply take the bus to Paola town centre and follow the signs from there.
• Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 0900hrs till 1600hrs. Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.

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9 tips for visiting Hypogeum - Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

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9 tips for visiting Hypogeum

Must do. This really makes you feel like a tiny dot in the space of time. Tour takes 50 min. with 15 min. of it being a video introduction and then audio guide. The real guide didn't say a word but kept the 10 visitors together and used a torch light to point at features. 1. Book 3 months in advance. Other visitors got rejected. Don't embarrass yourself with a "we didn't know". 2. Make sure your transport works. Our bus didn't show up, and we had to download the Bolt app (Uber clone). Have a plan B. 3. Plan on being there 30 min. in advance. Walk around the block if needed. 4. Cameras, mobile phones, bags,... make sure you can easily place all your belongings in the locker. 5. Audio guide is the same terrible system as at The Grandmaster's Palace. Set the sound level in the first room or risk not being able to set it at all. The site has been sponsored by Iceland and the background track could be one of their Eurovision "contributions" - turn it down. 15% volume should be fine. 6. Wear flat shoes. Some of the stones are slippery. 7. Don't be the last in the group as those people won't see what is on the audio guide. In the second room you should position yourself towards the exit door (which is opposite the door from room 1). 8. Gift shop is good - t-shirts, post cards - you have plenty of time after the visit. 9. The Tarxien Temples are nearby. Just turn left and you will see the signs pointing to the site.

An exceptional historical/cultural site. A must visit while in Malta. This site is so unique and beautiful. It is underground which is what makes it so unique; and you can walk through it to see what it's like. There is an above ground exhibit to get you context about what it's about but once you get down there, prepare to be in awe of how it was dug out with just human labour. A disclaimer though, if you are uncomfortable of small/narrow spaces and being underground in general, I would not do this. Otherwise, you have to book this one weeks in advance! There are a limited number of visitors allowed and they are scheduled. You probably won't get in if you go the day of.

Book well in advance to get tickets, this sells out about 6 weeks in advance for a reason. It is absolutely incredible. The site is being preserved, so no cameras allowed. The audio tour is great, giving you time between points to absorb what had been said. About 45 mins including a short film. Definitely do this if you can get tickets!!

Visited Malta in May.Checked bookings for underground tour 2 months prior - only one free spot during our 4 days in Malta. Can book to see a video experience of the site only and that is also a good option. Space underground has low ceiling but what a memorable experience to see this historical place. The underground tour starts with the same video so don't book to do both. You can be lucky if you just turn up as Tour operators sometimes have tickets to on-sell. We were lucky for my husband to take up that option for the tour following the one I was on. On a bus route from Valetta. Not easy to find, in a side street with a discreet entrance. No photos allowed but well worth booking to go, nothing much to see there otherwise but Paola does have the Tarxien Temples nearby also interesting.

We booked this in advance as they only have so many tours in a day . Very interesting place to visit but beware tall people as it’s quite low in places. Very well presented and a nice gift shop and if it’s a hot day like ours was it’s nice and cool.

This we may well have ignored but for a friend. A major attraction not to be missed. Extremely interesting and of significant historical importance. Book well in advance of your holiday. Allow time to find and park as this attraction is poorly signed out of Paola itself. Whilst in the location, do visit the Tarxien Temples which are 10 minutes walk away.

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From: € 15.00

Entrance to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is from Triq iċ-Ċimiterju. Visitors should be on-site 15 minutes before the start of their tour.

Closed comfortable shoes must be worn. Visitors wearing high heels, sandals or flip flops will  strictly not  be admitted.

Photography and filming are not permitted within the site.

The audio-visual show and a small display area are wheelchair accessible. However, the archaeological site is not wheelchair accessible.

For their own safety children under 6 years of age cannot be admitted to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

For the full terms and conditions please  click here

Adult: (18 - 59) - €35.00 per ticket

Senior: (60+) - €20.00 per ticket

Student: €20.00 per ticket

Children: (6 - 11) - €15.00 per ticket

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Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: Visit Malta's Ancient Neolithic Underground Burial Complex

The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni in Malta is among the most vital ancient Neolithic sites in Europe, still full of mysteries of long-lost civilizations.

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The hypogeum of hal saflieni: one of the most valuable neolithic sites in europe, what to expect at the hypogeum of ħal saflien, visiting malta & the hypogeum of ħal saflien.

Malta is a small island Mediterranean country with its own very impressive underground Neolithic burial site. Malta's Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a Neolithic subterranean structure dating back over 5,000 years. The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is one of the top archeological attractions in Malta and is one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ask someone to name an ancient Neolithic site in Europe, and many will only be able to answer the famous Stonehenge of England . But there are many excellent (some even older) Neolithic sites dotting Europe, including the Skara Brae Neolithic village in Scotland's Orkney Islands and the thousands of standing megalithic stones at Stones of Carnac archeological site in France .

The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is one of the most valuable archeological attractions on Malta ("Hypogeum" is from Greek and literally means "underground"). It dates from at least 3300 to 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest sites in Europe (older than the pyramids of Egypt).

• Designated: UNESCO World Heritage Since 1981
• Date: As Early As 4000 BC

The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is believed that the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni was used as a sanctuary and a necropolis in prehistoric times. It is thought that there are the remains of over 7,000 people in the hypogeum. A few of the skulls seem to have abnormal cranial elongation. This phenomenon was also observed among the priestly skulls of Ancient Egypt - so the skulls may speak to the religious practices of the prehistoric people of Malta.

The culture that produced the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni also produced some of Malta's other prehistoric sites, including the Megalithic Temples of Malta and the Xagħra Stone Circle.

It was only discovered by ancient in 1902 as construction on new cisterns broke through its roof. Excavations got off to a chaotic start, and some of the human bones and artifacts were lost. But today, it is protected as one of Malta's greatest archeological treasures. The site has yielded priceless prehistoric ornaments, figurines, pottery, and other archeological material. The interior climate of the chamber is strictly regulated, and only 80 people are permitted to visit every day.

The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni was in use from around 4000 BC and 1500 BC and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related: We Already Know That Malta Is Beautiful, But What's The Food Culture Like?

The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni has three levels - the upper level, the middle level, and the lower level. The lower levers were dug over time as space became limited. The monument has halls, passages, and chambers all hewn out of limestone. The deepest level is 10.6 meters below the road level above. The Middle Level has a number of noted rooms called the Main Chamber, Oracle Room, Decorated Room, and the Holy of Holies.

One of the most significant figurines is called the Sleeping Lady of Ħal Saflien and is believed to represent a mother goddess.

One of the main chambers is called "The Holy of Holies" and seems to have been built in orientation with the winter solstice light.

The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni offers a glimpse into the distant past of Europe (although not quite as distant as the extremely ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey ). It offers a peek into a civilization that has long since disappeared.

Related: Everything To Know Before Visiting Malta, Including Its Dense Population And What To Avoid

Malta is a tiny Mediterranean country between Italy and Libya. It has long occupied a strategic position in the Mediterranean and has been contested by many empires in history - including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John (who are today a 'country' with no land) , British, and more.

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Today, it has a population of around half a million people and covers an area of only around 316 km2 (122 sq mi), making it the 10th smallest country in the world. It is less than 10% of the site of the state of Rhode Island. The country is so small and densely populated that it is sometimes called a modern city-state.

Museum, Archaeological Remains:

• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum Tickets/Admission:

• Adults (18+): €35.00 ($40)
• Youths (12-17): €20.00 ($23)

As tours in the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflien are limited, visitors should plan in advance and book their tickets months in advance. It is well worth it as it is not every day that visitors can step 6,000 years into the past. Those who can't visit or book a ticket to the Hypogeum can still visit the archeological museum or take a virtual tour of the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni .

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

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There’s nothing original in the notion of travelling to Malta but that doesn’t mean it’s not it’s not worth coming. Millions of people can’t be wrong and neither can scores of generations! People have been attracted to these sun-drenched shores for thousands of years – and in case you needed any proof, head for the the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Every pre-historic site on Malta and Gozo is special in its own way and there are several of them – the Ggantija Temples on Gozo, Hagar Qim and Ghar Dalam – to name but a few. Many, however, argue that the most special of them all is the Hypogeum.

The name translates literally as underground cavity, which is technically correct but falls some considerable distance short of doing any real justice to the magnitude of what was unearthed within. ‘Underground cavity’ doesn’t hint at the prehistoric temple and other finds that were discovered at Hal Saflieni.

Once you do get down there, prepare to be amazed because you will discover 500 sq metres of halls, chambers and passages dating back to around 3600 BC.

Now at this point you can either be flabbergasted by the size of the hypogeum or be staggered by its immense age. That date means it was in use long before the ancient Brits started to think about throwing up Stonehenge, or before any Egyptian architect convinced a pharaoh his memorial should be pyramid shaped – if you get my drift.

And if all that’s not enough to leave your collective flabbers well and truly gasted, then this gem will definitely tip the balance. The hypogeum was discovered accidentally by a stonemason who chipped his way through the walls in 1902.

He soon realised he stumbled across something rather special - a hidden gem of a bygone age dubbed as ‘one of the greatest remaining structures from pre-history!’ His suspicions were confirmed when discovered within it were the remains of more then 7,000 pre-historic Maltese people!

And still this place gets more amazing because the fact it was underground, sealed off and untouched for so long has kept it exceptionally well preserved. There was also a treasure trove of pottery, personal ornaments, small, carved animals and larger figurines. Pooled all together the findings were enough to convince UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage site.

Once the mason had walloped his way through the wall and said sorry, responsibility for the excavations was passed, inexplicably, to a Jesuit priest called Father SJ Magri and later, more plausibly, to archaeologist, Professor Themi Zammit. He must have felt like a kid let loose in a toyshop, as he and his charges trawled through a three-tier subterranean complex of carved chambers in diverse shapes and sizes.

Among these is the Oracle Room - one of the smallest side chambers that produces a powerful echo … if you’re a man. The effect does not work with higher female voices!

A visit to this subterranean attraction provides an intriguing view into a lost age and, should you fancy playing at Indiana Jones for the day, you’d be best advised to book in because daily numbers are restricted to 80 people.  

Daily guided tours of the Hypogeum run from 9am to 4pm and admission is €20 for adults, €15 for students and OAPs and €12 for children aged six to 11. Children under the age of six are not allowed in. If any spare spaces are available, they are sold at €25 each from the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is just outside Paola, the town you’ll find at the southernmost edge of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. If you follow the road signs to Paola you’ll eventually see Hypogeum signposts. There is car parking available very close to the site as well as bus routes that call at the site.

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Unraveling Malta’s Mysterious Past: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – A Journey into the Island’s Ancient Underground World

by BlueLagoonAdmin | Apr 20, 2023 | Explore Malta , Flora and Fauna Malta

Discover the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni: Malta’s Ancient Underground Marvel

A brief introduction to the hypogeum.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, located in the town of Paola on the island of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds a unique place in human history. This subterranean, prehistoric burial site dates back to around 4000 BCE and provides a remarkable glimpse into the ancient Maltese civilization. The Hypogeum is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a network of interconnected chambers, halls, and passages that were meticulously carved out of the limestone bedrock. A visit to this enigmatic site promises an unforgettable journey into Malta’s distant past.

The Discovery and Excavation of the Hypogeum

The Hypogeum was discovered in 1902 during construction work, and its importance was immediately recognized. Excavations and research began shortly after, led by notable archaeologists such as Sir Themistocles Zammit and Dr. David Trump. Over the years, the site has been carefully studied and preserved, allowing for a deeper understanding of the ancient Maltese civilization and its burial customs.

The Hypogeum is composed of three distinct levels, each serving a different purpose. The uppermost level, dating back to around 4000-3300 BCE, was primarily used as a sanctuary, while the middle level, which dates to around 3300-3000 BCE, was used for burials. The deepest and most intricate level, dating back to around 3000-2400 BCE, contains the most impressive architectural features and served as the final resting place for more than 7,000 individuals.

Architectural and Artistic Features of the Hypogeum

The Hypogeum is renowned for its extraordinary architectural and artistic elements, which showcase the ancient Maltese people’s exceptional skill and creativity. The site’s builders employed a technique known as corbelling to construct the chambers and passageways, which involved placing successive layers of stone slabs atop one another, each layer extending slightly further inward until the ceiling was closed.

One of the most striking features of the Hypogeum is the intricate rock-cut designs, such as the red ochre spiral patterns found on the walls and ceilings. These designs, along with various sculpted features like the “Sleeping Lady” and the “Holy of Holies” chamber, attest to the artistic prowess of the ancient Maltese civilization.

Exploring the Hypogeum: A Guided Tour Experience

Visiting the Hypogeum is an extraordinary experience that offers a fascinating insight into Malta’s ancient past. Access to the site is limited to a small number of visitors per day to help preserve its delicate environment, so booking a guided tour well in advance is highly recommended.

The guided tour takes visitors through the various chambers and levels of the Hypogeum, providing an in-depth understanding of the site’s history, archaeology, and cultural significance. The expert guides share fascinating stories and information about the ancient civilization that created this remarkable space, as well as the archaeological discoveries that have been made over the years.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

The Hypogeum’s delicate environment and priceless historical artifacts require ongoing preservation and conservation efforts. In 1992, the site was closed to the public to address concerns about its environmental stability and the potential damage caused by increasing visitor numbers. After extensive restoration and conservation work, the Hypogeum was reopened in 2000, with strict visitor limits and a state-of-the-art climate control system in place to ensure its long-term preservation.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hypogeum is subject to international guidelines and best practices for preservation and conservation. This includes ongoing monitoring and research, as well as the development of educational programs and materials to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving this unique site for future generations.

Practical Information for Visitors

The Hypogeum is located in the town of Paola, which is easily accessible from various parts of Malta by public transport or car. The site is open for visitors throughout the year, with the exception of certain public holidays. Due to the limited number of daily visitors allowed, it’s essential to book your tour well in advance to secure a spot. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

It’s important to note that photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Hypogeum to help preserve the delicate environment and fragile artwork. Lockers are provided at the site for visitors to store their belongings during the tour.

When visiting the Hypogeum, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods. Additionally, keep in mind that the temperature inside the Hypogeum is cooler than outside, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater.

A visit to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an extraordinary experience that delves deep into Malta’s ancient history and provides a rare glimpse into the lives and customs of the island’s prehistoric inhabitants. This awe-inspiring subterranean complex showcases the incredible architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient Maltese civilization and offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and fascinating attraction, the Hypogeum is a must-see destination on your Maltese itinerary.

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Malta’s Hypogeum, One of the World’s Best Preserved Prehistoric Sites, Reopens to the Public

The complex of excavated cave chambers includes a temple, cemetery and funeral hall.

This month, one of the world’s best preserved prehistoric sites — a 6,000-year-old underground burial chamber on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta — reopened to the public.

Last June, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, one of Europe’s only known neolithic necropolises, closed for a series of improvements to its environmental management system. Its reopening brings updates that will enhance conservation and ongoing data collection while improving visitor access and experience.

Archaeological evidence suggests that around 4,000 BCE, the people of Malta and Gozo began building with the purpose of ritualizing life and death. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, one of the first and most famous of such complexes, is an underground network of alcoves and corridors carved into soft Globigerina limestone just three miles from what is now the capital city of Valletta.

The builders expanded existing caves and over the centuries excavated deeper, creating a temple, cemetery and funeral hall that would be used throughout the Żebbuġ, Ġgantija and Tarxien periods.

Over the next 1,500 years, known as the Temple Period, above-ground megalith structures cropped up throughout the archipelago, many with features that mirror their subterranean counterparts.

Whatever remained of the above-ground megalithic enclosure that once marked the Hypogeum’s entrance was destroyed by industrialization during the late 1800s. Now, visitors enter through a modernized lobby, then descend a railed walkway and move chronologically through two of the site’s three tiers, glimpsing along the way evidence of the structure’s dual role as worship and burial place.

The Hypogeum’s oldest and uppermost level consists of a passageway, access to a cistern below, a courtyard-like space dug into the promontory and five low-roofed burial chambers carved out of pre-existing caves.

Archaeologists believe this is where funerary processions likely began, and Heritage Malta has kept an original grave intact. The middle level is the most ornate. It is also where archaeologists believe the bulk of ritual activity took place. In the “Oracle Room,” an oblong chamber measuring more than five meters long, niches in the walls create amplified and echoing acoustic effects, much like those at the Oracle of Delphi.

The “Holy of Holies” is carved to look like many of the Hypogeum’s contemporary above-ground temples. In front of its entrance, two linked holes in the ground may have been used to collect libations or solid offerings. Visitors exit via a spiral staircase before entering the Hypogeum’s youngest and deepest level.

The third tier reaches 10 meters into the earth and consists of five spaces, each less than five meters in diameter, that give access to smaller rooms that served as mass graves.

Like other megalith structures in Malta, the Hypogeum fell out of use by 2,500 BCE. The ancient necropolis wasn’t rediscovered until 1902, when construction workers accidentally found one of the chambers while excavating a well for a housing subdivision. It would be two more years before formal excavation took place and another four until the site opened to the public.

The Hypogeum provides insights into Malta’s Temple Culture and its contemporary above-ground structures. Archaeologists estimate over 6,000 people were buried at the site and have found beads, amulets, intricate pottery and carved figurines alongside the bones.

Several chambers are still decorated with black and white checkerboards and red ochre spirals and honey-combs, the only prehistoric paintings found on the island. Corbeled ceilings hint at how the ancient people of Malta supported roofs on the abundant above-ground buildings, now in ruins, found throughout the islands. “[It] gives us a chance to see what [the Hypogeum’s] contemporary temple structures might have looked like on the inside,” says Heritage Malta curator MariaElena Zammit.

According to Zammit, the Hypogeum and its artifacts held up over the millennia largely thanks to its encapsulation. “The Hypogeum is completely underground, completely closed, so it’s humid,” she says.

That moisture “keeps the salt in the stone soluble, preventing flaking. In other [temples throughout Malta], the surface is dissolving in places… [The Hypogeum] is held together by humidity.”

Without Heritage Malta’s careful control, the very presence of visitors to the ancient site would endanger its preservation. Curious fingertips leave behind visible oils that degrade any coloring and even the limestone itself.

Pathway-illuminating artificial lights encourage the growth of microorganisms, and the daily succession of warm, breathing bodies alters CO2 levels, airflow, temperature and humidity. So, while guides encourage tourists to play with the acoustics in the “Oracle Chamber,” visitors are prohibited from speaking directly into the echoing niche.

Preservation efforts first began in earnest in 1991, when the site closed for nearly a decade. The project resulted in walkways, visitor limitations, regulation of artificial light levels and an early but now outdated environmental control system.

More intensive monitoring began in 2022, as part of a grant from the European Economic Area to preserve the Unesco site for future generations, and those data, collected over a period of six years, provided the basis for the new environmental management system.

The Hypogeum’s newest preservation efforts include both passive and active measures, from improved insulation to better control humidity and temperature to modernized technology for studying microorganism growth and tracking real-time changes to the site’s microclimate. “Data will continue to be gathered and analyzed to continually assess the performance of the system installed, as well as [to] monitor the behavior of the site,” says Zammit.

Many of the changes won’t be visible to visitors: Ducts hide behind walls and the air handling units and chillers sit atop the visitor’s center roof. However, tourists will find a cleaner, more modern visitor center with high-pressure laminate panels, replacing mold-prone carpeting, and a new buffer system that gradually increases humidity between the welcome area and the main site.

The most exciting change for visitors will be the enhanced interpretation and virtual tour option. In 2000 after its first major preservation efforts, Heritage Malta limited site tours to 80 individuals per day. That number still stands, so visitors must book weeks or even months in advance to tour the Hypogeum in person.

Furthermore, low lighting and slick walkways render the site inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. To help meet demand, the visitor’s center is now equipped with audiovisual technology that allows an additional 70 people to virtually tour the site daily from its lobby.

“Thus,” says Zammit, “Heritage Malta will be implementing its mission by making the site more accessible to more members of the community.”

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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

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hypogeum malta

Introduction, history and mystery of the hypogeum by hal saflieni, historical importance and worldwide recognition, visit the hypogeum of hal saflieni, times and prices, tips for the visit, frequently asked questions, 1. what is the best time to visit the hal saflieni hypogeum, 2. is it possible to take photographs inside the hal saflieni hypogeum.

Welcome to our article about the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a fascinating underground temple located in Malta. In this article, we will explore the history, mystery and historical importance of this site, as well as provide information on how to visit it. Get ready to discover a real treasure hidden underground!

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground complex dating from around 3600-2500 BC. It was discovered in 1902 during the construction of a house in the town of Paola, Malta. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hypogeum consists of several chambers and passageways carved into the rock, extending over three levels. These chambers house a variety of architectural and artistic features, such as altars, statues and frescoes. However, what is most impressive is the number of burials that have been found in the Hypogeum. It is estimated that more than 7,000 people were buried here over the centuries.

The mystery surrounding the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is fascinating. The exact purpose of this underground temple and why it was used as a burial site is unknown. Some experts believe it was dedicated to a religious cult, while others suggest it was a place of funerary worship. The lack of inscriptions and written records has made this site difficult to interpret, which only adds to its aura of mystery.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is of great historical importance due to its age and the valuable information it provides about the life and beliefs of ancient Maltese civilisations. Artifacts found at the Hypogeum, such as ceramics, tools and jewelry, have shed light on the culture and technology of the time.

Furthermore, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is recognized worldwide as an exceptional testament to the skill and ingenuity of ancient Maltese builders. The precision with which the chambers and passageways were carved into the rock is astonishing, especially considering the technological limitations of the time. This site is a lasting testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Malta.

If you are planning to visit Malta, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. Here we provide you with useful information so that you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance, as the number of daily visitors is limited to preserve the site. The entrance price is 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for students and seniors.

To enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, we recommend following these tips:

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore the site.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk and climb stairs inside the Hypogeum.
• Don't forget to bring a jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the underground temple may be cooler than outside.
• Respect the site's conservation regulations and do not touch or get too close to the artifacts.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists. During the summer, the site may be busier and temperatures may be higher, which may make visiting difficult.

Yes, photography without flash is allowed inside the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. However, the use of tripods and professional photography equipment is prohibited. Remember to respect conservation regulations and not touch or get too close to the artifacts while taking photographs.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground treasure that you cannot miss during your visit to Malta. Its history, mystery and historical importance make it a fascinating place to explore. Be sure to book your tickets in advance and follow our tips to make the most of your visit. You will not regret discovering this incredible archaeological site!

Until next time,

The Maltese Editorial Team

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Malta's Ancient Hypogeum Just Reopened to the Public

By Ryan Craggs

First things first: If you can't find Malta on a map and don't know what a hypogeum is, don't fret. Malta's a nation made up of three islands in the southern Mediterranean, and a hypogeum is an underground, prehistoric cemetery. All of that matters today because one of the world's " most extraordinary archeological sites " (a hypogeum) just reopened to the public in the tiny European nation.

Dating back to 4000 B.C., the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was used for nearly 1,500 years as a subterranean burial chamber. As Smithsonian notes , the "underground network of alcoves and corridors carved into soft Globigerina limestone" is one of Europe's only known Neolithic (between the Paleolithic and Bronze Age) necropolises, a star among the wealth of above-ground ancient structures throughout Malta. Scientists estimate more than 6,000 people were buried at the site, set in three levels, with the walls and ceilings in some places painted red ochre, a natural Earth element, according to the Times of Malta . In one section,"niches in the walls create amplified and echoing acoustic effects," according to Smithsonian , showing a high level of sophistication for pre-Bronze Age construction.

The Hypogeum dates back to 4,000 B.C.

In June 2016, the Hypogeum closed for $1.2 million in renovations , including the installation of a new environmental management system, studies to assess the site's condition, and replacement of water mains above the site to help maintain the paintings on the Hypogeum's inner façade. A similar environmental control was installed in the 1990s, and visitors were limited to 80 people per day, as the mere presence of people leaves behind oily fingerprints and increased CO2 levels that can erode the delicate environment over time.

The updated technology hopes to keep the Hypogeum intact for generations to come, along with providing greater insights into temples throughout the Maltese archipelago. Grant funding from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway made the updates possible, but one key fact remains: Tickets go fast , and still only 80 people can enter per day. Entrance costs $39 (€35) for adults, $17 (€15) for children, $22 (€20) for seniors and students, and $44 (€40) for last-minute tickets—you might need to book weeks or months in advance to make sure you can get in.

But even if you can't, a new virtual tour in the visitor's center can recreate some of the experience—no tomb spelunking required.

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