Tarxien Temples

Tarxien was found by farmers in 1913 and excavated soon after, and although it now sits surrounded by houses it holds the richest carved decoration of any temple on the islands: spiral reliefs, friezes of animals, and the lower half of a colossal statue of a seated or standing figure whose original height is estimated at around two and a half metres. Most of what is visible on site is replica, with the originals in the archaeology museum in Valletta.

What's there

• The spiral reliefs - carved decoration on altar blocks and screens.
• The animal frieze - a relief of goats, sheep and a pig on one of the slabs.
• The colossal statue - the surviving lower part of a very large carved figure.
• The four temples - linked structures spanning several centuries of building.

When to go

Year round; it is an urban site with a walkway and partial shelter. Mornings are quietest. Summer heat is less of a problem here than at the coastal temples.

Practical notes

Most carvings on site are replicas and the originals are in Valletta. The surrounding modern housing crowds the site and spoils the setting. The raised walkway keeps visitors at a distance from the stones.

Nearby

The Hypogeum is nearby, and the Three Cities are north.

Key facts