A particularly distinctive introduction to Tarxien is the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex: four megalithic structures represent several periods of use, while the town’s churches and chapels tell a different story of construction. This lets you clearly organise your cultural interests—from prehistoric reliefs and temple layouts to domed architecture, foundation stones and façade details.
Four structures, several layers of history
The Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex consists of four megalithic structures. They were built in the Late Neolithic and later adapted for use in the Early Bronze Age. The Tarxien Temples are among Malta’s unique architectural masterpieces of megalithic temple architecture. The complex’s history of construction is interesting in itself: it is not only about the building of the structures, but also about how the site continued to be used in a later period.
This later use has a clearly defined timeframe: between 2400 and 1500 BC, the site served as a Bronze Age cemetery for cremation burials. This sets the site’s history apart from an account that considers only the original temple architecture. If you are interested in the succession of periods, you can explore the Neolithic structures and Bronze Age use as two separate historical focuses.
Reliefs and architecture in detail
The southern building is notable for its prehistoric bas-reliefs depicting spirals and animals. The central structure offers a different perspective: its unique layout comprises six chambers. There is also evidence of a corbelled roof. In this construction method, each successive layer of stone projects further inwards; this makes the roof’s construction, as well as the layout of the space, a point of interest. Comparing the reliefs in the southern building with the layout of the central structure draws attention to two different aspects of the same complex: its motifs and spatial design.
Churches and chapels in Tarxien
The churches complement the prehistoric focus with their own architectural features and dates. St Mary’s Chapel, also known as Tar-Rokna, is a domed church built between 1729 and 1737. The foundation stone for the Church of St Bartholomew and Our Lady of Good Counsel is documented as having been laid in 1764. St Joseph’s Chapel was built in 1874.
There is also a specific detail to note about St Joseph’s Chapel: a statue of Saint Joseph stands in a niche in the façade. Along with the dome of St Mary’s Chapel and the date the foundation stone was laid for the Church of St Bartholomew and Our Lady of Good Counsel, these offer different ways to explore the churches and chapels. Each of the dates mentioned has its own significance: the construction period, the laying of the foundation stone and the year of construction are not the same thing.
Practical visitor information
Audioguides for the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex are available in Maltese, English, Chinese, German, Italian, Greek, Spanish, French, Japanese and Polish. You can request a guided tour. If you would like to make use of this option when planning your visit, check your preferred date in advance; a request does not guarantee a particular date.
Free public parking is available on the streets around the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex. As availability can change, it is best to check the parking situation before you arrive. This allows you to factor parking into your visit plans without assuming that a space is guaranteed.
Tarxien offers clear distinctions to help you choose a cultural focus: prehistoric motifs, a remarkably complex temple layout, the site’s later use as a cemetery, and churches with their own features and dates. You can tailor your interests according to whether you would like to focus on archaeology, architectural forms or the history of the chapels.
Discover more destinations: Pembroke, St. Julians, Xaghra, Bugibba, Xewkija, Hal Kirkop, Ghammar, Xlendi.
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