Skorba Temples

Skorba is the least visually impressive of the seven inscribed temples and the most important for what was learned there. David Trump excavated it in the 1960s and found occupation layers below the temple going back to the earliest farming on the islands, which allowed the first radiocarbon-based chronology for Maltese prehistory and pushed the dates back further than anyone had expected. Two temples stand on the site, along with the walls of earlier village huts.

What to look for

• The village remains - walls of huts predating the temples on the same ground.
• The excavation sequence - the layers that produced the first radiocarbon chronology.
• The two temples - a three-apse and a four-apse structure side by side.
• The Red Skorba figurines - the phase named after the pottery and figures found here.

When to go

Year round; opening is limited and often by arrangement rather than daily. Mornings are the usual visiting slot. Combining it with Ta' Hagrat nearby makes the trip worthwhile.

Good to know

There is very little to look at: low walls and foundations without the standing megaliths of the other temples. Opening hours are restricted and should be confirmed before travelling. Interpretation on site is minimal.

Nearby

Ta' Hagrat is nearby, and Mgarr village is south.

Key facts