Malta Things to Do Tips by Xemx

The Roman Villa and Museum in Rabat

The Roman Villa, or Domus Romana, has reopened (March 2005) to the public after being shut down for refurbishment during the past three years.

The present building was reconstructed above a Roman house to preserve the beautifully decorated mosaic floor and other important Roman finds, dating back three centuries BC. There are several columns and busts, including one of Tiberius. At the back of the house there is also an open-air site with other Roman remains.

The Roman Villa opens seven days a week. There is an entrance fee of Lm2.50 for adults, Lm1.25 for students and senior citizens and 75 cents for children aged between 6 and 11.

Address: In Rabat, just outside the walled city of Mdina.

Phone: +356 21454125

The Hypogeum - UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Hypogeum is one of my favourite places on the island. I had visited it a few times before it was closed in 1991 for nine years of intensive specialist conservation work done by Maltese archaeologists. It reopened in July 2000. Today the site is being well preserved by a sophisticated system of microclimate controls which regulate the temperature and humidity.

Dating back to 3600 BC, the Hypogeum was used as a depository for bones of the dead and as a temple. It consists of a complex series of chambers which were carved out by hand in limestone using primitive man-made tools. Designs painted in red ochre are visible on some of the ceilings. The Hypogeum is made up of three levels reaching 11 metres below street-level. It is considered to be one of the most important monuments in the archaeology world due to its splendid underground architecture.

The Hypogeum is nestled amongst houses and easy to miss even with its big sign hung above the door. Book well in advance because visits are limited to seven groups of 10 per day, Monday to Sunday. Tickets may be booked from any of the links provided below. Cameras and bags are not allowed inside the Hypogeum. The tour allows a five-minute viewing of an exhibition, followed by an audio-visual film and a 45 minute guided tour.

Address: Burial Street, Paola

Directions: Walk past Paola church towards Tarxien...it's the first street right, after passing the cross-roads section.

Other Contact: info@heritagemalta.org

Phone: Tel: (+356) 21805019 / 21825579

Tarxien Temples

These temples were built around 2400 and 1800 BC and are the best example of the Neolithic era temples that can be found on Malta.

The basic layout of the temples complies with other temples of the megalithic period. There is a central corridor with apses facing each other. The carved stones and sculpture which were originally found in the Tarxien temples are in the National Museum, Valletta, for safekeeping, and replicas were placed where the originals were discovered.

Opening Times are:
Oct 1- June 15
Mon - Sat: 8.15 am to 5 pm
Sundays : 8.15 am to 4.15 pm

June 16 - Sept 30
Mon - Sun: 7.45 am to 2pm

There is an entrance fee of LM 1.00 per person. Entrance is free for those under 19 or over 65 years.

Might be a good idea to check the days/times on the telephone below just in case there are changes.

Address: Neolithic Temples Street, Tarxien

Directions: Leaving Poala Square towards Tarxien, make a right turn at the main crossroads and watch for a signpost to the left.

Phone: 21695578