Prehistoric Temples of Malta
Mediterranean Excursions
- £35-£45
- 4 hours
- Medium/Hard
VALLETTA, MALTA
From here it is a short drive to the megalithic Tarxien Temples, which are the best reflection of the evolution of prehistoric temple building. The earliest temple, sadly now in a vestigial state, dates back to approximately 2800 BC, while the most recent of the four dates some 700 years later.
Travelling to the southern part of the island, our first stop will be at Qrendi, where we shall find the temples of Hagar Qim. The temples were originally built in around 2700 BC, and were likened to Stonehenge. The site of these temples – high above the sea – was chosen well. For some unknown reason the axis of the first temple was altered and the temple itself extended several times. The stone used in the building was globigerina limestone, which is rather soft and relatively simple to work with. For this reason, there are several ‘porthole’ openings in Hagar Qim.
From here it is a short drive to the megalithic Tarxien Temples, which are the best reflection of the evolution of prehistoric temple building. The earliest temple, sadly now in a vestigial state, dates back to approximately 2800 BC, while the most recent of the four dates some 700 years later. Inside these temples is a statue originally thought to have been at least two and a half metres (eight feet) in height, representing a mother goddess. The statue has now broken in half, with the top half missing, but the base still stands at a height of one metre (three feet). It is believed to be the only surviving piece of monumental sculpture belonging to this early period.
Our final stop will be at the Ghar Dalam Cave, where the first traces of life on the island – dating back to approximately 18,000 years ago – were discovered. During our visit we can admire the fossils of animals that populated the island during the Ice Age.
En route back to the ship, we shall make a brief stop at Marsaxlokk, where we can photograph this picturesque fishing village, with its multicolour boats, stone houses and fishermen at work.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a total of approximately two hours of walking over uneven ground. There are around 40 steps to negotiate at the Ghar Dalam Cave, therefore it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. For reference, there will be approximately 30 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. Passengers are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
From here it is a short drive to the megalithic Tarxien Temples, which are the best reflection of the evolution of prehistoric temple building. The earliest temple, sadly now in a vestigial state, dates back to approximately 2800 BC, while the most recent of the four dates some 700 years later. Inside these temples is a statue originally thought to have been at least two and a half metres (eight feet) in height, representing a mother goddess. The statue has now broken in half, with the top half missing, but the base still stands at a height of one metre (three feet). It is believed to be the only surviving piece of monumental sculpture belonging to this early period.
Our final stop will be at the Ghar Dalam Cave, where the first traces of life on the island – dating back to approximately 18,000 years ago – were discovered. During our visit we can admire the fossils of animals that populated the island during the Ice Age.
En route back to the ship, we shall make a brief stop at Marsaxlokk, where we can photograph this picturesque fishing village, with its multicolour boats, stone houses and fishermen at work.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a total of approximately two hours of walking over uneven ground. There are around 40 steps to negotiate at the Ghar Dalam Cave, therefore it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. For reference, there will be approximately 30 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. Passengers are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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Snack or meal provided
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Refreshments available
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Free time
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Shopping opportunity
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Wheelchair access
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Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
