Malta’s rich history reads like a who’s who of Mediterranean history. From the Phoenicians to the British, just about anyone has left a mark on these sun-drenched islands. Though most visitors are aware of Valletta’s grandeur and Mdina’s medieval charm, the archipelago hides plenty of other historical treasures that paint a bright picture of its 7,000-year history.
From temples that predate the pyramids to Second World War shelters, these twenty sites offer fascinating peeks into Malta’s rich heritage. Each says something different, contributing to a tapestry of history longer than several millennia of human civilization.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Go down into this marvel underneath the ground, this three-tier necropolis carved out of solid limestone around 4000 BC. Visitors are still amazed by the acoustic properties of the ‘Oracle Chamber,’ while red ochre spirals painted by pre-historic artists remain vivid after millennia.
Only 80 visitors per day can enter, and thus, early booking is advisable. Archaeological evidence has shown that this site was used as a sanctuary as well as a burial site, having over 7,000 individuals interred within its chambers.
Ggantija Temples
Proudly rising on Gozo, these megalithic temples predate Stonehenge by a millennium. The enormous limestone slabs – some weighing over 50 tons – are a testament to the staggering feats of engineering that Malta’s temple builders achieved.
Local legend has it that giants built them; hence, the name ‘Giant’s Tower.’ There is evidence to suggest that the temples had roofs and were colored red ochre, and ritual fires still show their signs on the stone.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Behind the plain facade lies one of Europe’s most spectacular baroque interiors, as Malta’s Knights of St John pulled no punches. Every chapel represents a different ‘langue’ (language section) of the order competing with its neighbors for ornamentation.
Caravaggio’s famous ‘The Beheading of St John’ hangs in the Oratory; inlaid marble tomb slabs cover the entire floor; and frescoes on the newly restored ceiling vividly describe the life of St John.
Ħal Tarxien Temples
These four interconnecting temples are the pinnacle of Malta’s temple-building achievements. Limestone blocks still bearing intricate spiral carvings and relief sculptures of animals, as well as evidence of methods used in constructing roofs, can be seen.
Archaeologists found several statues here, including the famous ‘fat ladies’ now in the National Museum. There is also a modern protective shelter at the site that helps preserve the delicate carvings while enabling visitors to see everything clearly.
Mdina Catacombs
Beneath the silent city’s streets lies a vast network of Roman-era burial chambers. Christian, Jewish, and pagan burial traditions exist side by side, testifying to Malta’s ancient religious diversity.
Some tombs boast remarkable frescoes and carved stone agape tables for funeral feasts. Local guides tell tales of medieval monks using these passages to secretly gain access to the city during sieges.
Fort St. Angelo
This fortress has guarded Grand Harbour since Phoenician times, though its current form dates mainly to the Knights’ period. The fort played a crucial role during the Great Siege of 1565, serving as the Order’s headquarters.
Recent restoration work has revealed multiple historical layers, from ancient Greek pottery to British naval modifications. The upper parts offer spectacular views across the harbor to Valletta.
Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples
These two exceptionally well-preserved temples reveal not only the evolution of megalithic architecture in Malta but also display early forms of the trefoil plan. Original threshold blocks still guard the entrances, and the archaeologists discovered evidence of ritual animal sacrifice and grain storage inside the complex.
This tranquil rural setting invites the visitor to imagine the site’s original ceremonial atmosphere.
Palazzo Falson
This medieval palazzo in Mdina is home to a collection that’s nothing short of extraordinary and spans 2,000 years of Maltese history. Each room is devoted to different aspects of noble life: armor and paintings, rare books, and silver.
The kitchen is as it was centuries ago, complete with all the original cooking utensils. From the rooftop, one can see the secret gardens and defensive walls of Mdina.
St. Paul’s Catacombs
This complex in Rabat represents the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta. The interconnected galleries feature different tomb types, from simple loculi to elaborate family chambers.
Some areas show evidence of early Christian worship, including agape tables and prayer niches. The site museum displays artifacts found during excavations, including rare glass vessels and oil lamps.
Mnajdra Temples
These three temples overlook the Mediterranean from their dramatic coastal location. The South Temple aligns perfectly with the solstices and equinoxes, demonstrating prehistoric builders’ astronomical knowledge.
Despite exposure to the elements, original features like spirals and pecked decoration remain visible. The site’s remote location adds to its mystical atmosphere, especially during sunrise.
Birgu Maritime Museum
Housed in the old Naval Bakery, this museum chronicles Malta’s deep connection with the sea. Exhibits range from ancient anchors to detailed ship models and navigational instruments.
The building itself shows evidence of British naval modifications, including massive bread ovens. Maritime artifacts from all periods of Maltese history help tell the story of this seafaring nation.
Għar Dalam Cave
This natural cave contains evidence of Malta’s first inhabitants, both human and animal. Fossil layers reveal dwarf elephants, hippopotami, and other extinct species that once roamed the islands.
Stone tools and pottery fragments document human presence from the Neolithic period onwards. The Victorian-era museum building adds its own layer of historical interest.
Verdala Palace
A summer palace for the Knights’ Grand Masters, this palace mixes military austerity with nobly landscaped comfort. The ceiling of the grand hall is frescoed and illustrates the Great Siege of 1565 in graphic detail.
The local folklore speaks about the ghost of the Blue Lady that roams these corridors by night. The Buskett Gardens around it form one of the knights’ hunting forests.
Kordin III Temples
These lesser-known temples preserve unique features that are lost at other sites. The original stone furniture is still in situ, including altars and offering tables.
Archaeologists have found evidence of complex ritual practices involving fire and animal sacrifice. Its urban location gives a great example of how Malta balances preservation with development.
Lascaris War Rooms
Deep beneath Valletta’s bastions lie the secret command centers that coordinated Malta’s World War II defense. Original maps, telecommunications equipment, and plotting tables remain exactly as they were in 1945.
The rooms played a crucial role in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily. Recent restoration has made previously restricted areas accessible to visitors.
Ta’ Bistra Catacombs
These newly opened catacombs show how Roman burial customs adapted to local conditions. The complex includes some unique architectural features not found in other Maltese catacombs.
Evidence suggests these tombs were reused during the medieval period for grain storage. The site includes interactive displays explaining burial customs and excavation techniques.
Fort Rinella
This Victorian-era fort houses the world’s largest muzzle-loading cannon, designed to protect Grand Harbour from ironclad warships. Historical reenactors demonstrate original Victorian military drills and gun operations.
The fort’s innovative hydraulic systems remain largely intact and functioning. Exhibits explain late 19th-century military technology and daily garrison life.
Skorba Temples
These temples provide crucial evidence about the origins of Malta’s temple-building culture. Excavations revealed the transition from early farming villages to monumental architecture.
Unique ceremonial objects found here include decorated pottery and stone figurines. The site helps explain how Malta’s prehistoric culture developed and thrived.
Saluting Battery
This Valletta gun platform is one of the oldest in the world and continues its operations to fire noon and sunset salutes as it has for centuries. The restored Victorian-era guns and equipment demonstrate how coastal artillery developed.
Guides explain the complex system of time signals that once coordinated harbor activities.
Santa Marija Tower
One of Malta’s original coastal watchtowers has been preserved and allows visitors insights into the islands’ past defense system. The huge walls and peculiar architectural features all point to how well the Knights adapted to gunpowder warfare.
Original graffiti left by guards provides glimpses of everyday military life. From the roof, one finds panoramic views of Comino and surrounding islands.
Malta Through Time
These 20 sites offer much more than glimpses into the past; rather, they speak of a journey through Malta’s remarkable history – from prehistoric temples to fortifications of World War II, adding its chapter to the continuing story of the islands.
Be it the enthusiast in archaeology, the military history buff, or a simple interest in Mediterranean culture, these sites actually link quite vividly to the events and people that forged Malta’s unique heritage. Take time to go beyond the famous attractions, and you will find that every stone on these islands has something to tell.
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