Malta's Most Intriguing Temple: The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni

Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024
Reading Time: 10 minutes
By: Shaun

A unique temple that one can visit in Malta is the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni. This temple is a subterranean complex of chambers and passages that was carved out of the limestone rock by hand using stone tools. It is located in the town of Paola, not too far from the Tarxien temples and is one of the most important historical sites on the Maltese islands. The temple was built and used by a prehistoric culture that inhabited the Maltese islands between 4000 and 2500 BC and is considered to be one of the oldest and most impressive examples of underground architecture in the world.

The temple is important for several reasons.

It is a unique and rare example of a prehistoric temple that was built entirely underground, unlike other temples you can find on the Maltese islands that were built above ground.
The temple is a testimony to the advanced skills and creativity of the temple builders, who managed to create a complex and sophisticated structure without the use of metal tools, wheels, or written records.
The site has been a rich source of information and insight into the art and culture of the temple dwellers, who left behind various artefacts and decorations that reflect their beliefs and practices.
Last but not least, its importance and uniqueness earned it its entry on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and attract thousands of visitors and researchers every year.

How and when was the temple discovered and explored?

Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni

The temple was discovered by accident in 1902, when a stonecutter was digging a well and broke through the ceiling of one of the chambers. He reported his finding to the authorities, who sent a Jesuit priest and archaeologist named Manuel Magri to investigate. Magri was amazed by what he saw and began to excavate and document the temple with the help of some workers. Unfortunately, he died in 1907 before he could finish his work, and his notes and photographs were lost.

The excavation was continued by another archaeologist, Temi Zammit, who uncovered more chambers and passages and collected more artefacts and samples. He was responsible for the installation of electric lighting and ventilation systems, and he opened the temple to the public in 1908. Zammit published his findings and theories in 1910 and became the first director of the National Museum of Archaeology in Malta, which you can visit in Valletta.

The temple was further investigated and conserved by various researchers and organizations in the following decades, such as the British School at Rome, the Missione Archeologica Italiana, the University of Malta, and Heritage Malta. The temple was also closed and reopened several times due to environmental and structural issues, such as humidity, fungus, vandalism, and erosion.

The Construction and Structure of the Temple

Hypogeum Middle Level | Image by xiquinhosilva on Wikimedia Commons

The temple builders created the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni over a span of about a millennium, from 3600 to 2500 BC, by digging and carving the chambers and passages from the soft globigerina limestone rock. They used only tools made of stone, such as flint, chert, obsidian, and antlers. They also used wooden structures, ropes, and baskets to move and dispose of the rock waste. The temple builders followed a plan and a design that were influenced by the natural forms and features of the rock and by the temples that they also constructed on the surface in other areas of the islands.

The temple has three levels: the upper, middle, and lower levels. The upper level is the oldest and simplest and was made between 3600 and 3300 BC. It has a large oval chamber with a trilithon entrance and a smaller circular chamber with a porthole entrance. The upper level was likely used as a place to bury the dead, as it has several pits and niches that were filled with human bones and skulls.

The middle level is the most complex and elaborate and was made between 3300 and 3000 BC. It has several chambers and passages that are connected to each other, forming a maze-like layout. The middle level was likely used as a place to perform ceremonies and rituals, as it has various features and decorations that suggest religious and symbolic meanings. Some of the features of the middle level are:

The Oracle Room: A small chamber with a low ceiling and a niche that makes sound louder. It is thought that a priest or priestess would talk or sing from the niche and create a strong acoustic effect that would awe or scare the listeners.
The Holy of Holies: A large chamber with a high ceiling and a trilithon entrance. It is seen as the most holy and important chamber of the temple, as it has a big altar and several niches and recesses that were decorated with paintings and sculptures. It also has a spiral motif on the ceiling that may symbolise the sun or the cycle of life.
The Snake Pit: a small chamber with a deep pit that was filled with animal bones and pottery. It is guessed that the pit was used for offering sacrifices or getting rid of waste. The pit is named after the snake-like carvings that decorate the walls of the chamber.
The cistern is a large chamber with a circular opening that leads to a water tank. It is assumed that the cistern was used for collecting and storing rainwater and for providing water for the temple dwellers.

The lower level is the deepest and most mysterious and was made between 3000 and 2500 BC. It has a single chamber that is about 10 metres below the surface. The lower level was likely used as a place to store or hide, as it has several jars and pots that were filled with grain and seeds. The lower level is also the most mysterious, as it is not clear how the temple dwellers reached it or what they did there.

What are some of the mysteries still surrounding the temple and its influence?

Fat Lady Statue

The temple is not only a fascinating and impressive site, but also a mysterious and intriguing one. There are many unresolved questions and mysteries surrounding the temple and its influence that have captivated and puzzled researchers and visitors for decades. Some of the questions and mysteries are:

The origin and fate of the temple builders

Who were the temple builders, and where did they come from? How did they develop such advanced skills and knowledge without the use of metal tools, wheels, or writing? What happened to them, and why did they abandon the temple and the islands? Did they migrate to other lands, or did they die out due to natural or human causes? How are they related to other ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, the Sumerians, or the Minoans?

The acoustic properties and effects of the temple

How did the temple builders create such a remarkable acoustic phenomenon that can produce sound effects that range from soothing to terrifying? What was the purpose and function of the sound in the temple? Was it used for communication, ritual, or manipulation? How does sound affect the human brain and body? Does it induce altered states of consciousness, such as trance, meditation, or hallucination? Does it have healing or harmful effects on physical or mental health?

The legends and myths associated with the temple

What are the origins and meanings of the various legends and myths that are linked to the temple? Are they based on historical facts or fictional stories? Are they influenced by other cultures or religions? How do they reflect the beliefs and values of the temple dwellers or the later inhabitants of the islands? Some of the legends and myths are:

The curse of the sleeping lady

According to this legend, the temple contains a statue of a sleeping woman who is said to be the goddess of the temple. Anyone who disturbs or removes the statue will be cursed with bad luck or death. The statue was allegedly found by Zammit in 1908 and was taken to the National Museum of Archaeology, where it is still displayed. However, some claim that the statue is fake and that the real one is still hidden in the temple.

The portal to the underworld

According to this legend, the temple is a gateway to the underworld, where the souls of the dead go after leaving their bodies. The temple is also a place where the living can communicate with the dead or even travel to the underworld. Some claim that they have seen or heard ghosts, spirits, or demons in the temple or that they have experienced paranormal phenomena, such as visions, voices, or sensations.

The hypogeal sound

According to this legend, the temple emits a low-frequency sound that can be heard by some people but not by others. The sound is said to have various effects on the listeners, such as inducing calmness, fear, or ecstasy. The sound is also said to be a message or a signal from the temple or the gods that can be interpreted or decoded by the listeners.

Tips for Visitors

We hope that we have made you curious enough to plan a visit to this amazing site. Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable and hassle-free:

Book your tickets in advance: The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is very popular and has a limited capacity of 80 visitors per day. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you book your tickets online or by phone as early as possible, preferably months before your visit. You can check the availability and prices of the tickets here.
Check the opening hours: The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday. The last admission is at 4:00 p.m. The visit takes about 50 minutes, including a 10-minute audiovisual presentation and a 40-minute guided tour of the temple. Be sure to be at the site 15 minutes prior to your entry time.
Prices: At the time of writing, an adult (18+) ticket costs €35.00 and €20.00 for youth (12–17) and senior citizens (60+). Children aged 6 to 11 pay only €15.00. Do note that because of its lack of accessibility and for their safety, children under the age of 6 are not allowed. The temple itself is not accessible for people with mobility issues, but they can still see the audio-visual show.
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear: The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is underground and has uneven and slippery surfaces. Therefore, you should wear clothing and footwear that are comfortable and suitable for the environment. The temperature inside the temples can be rather cold, so even if you are visiting in the summer, it is wise to bring along a jacket or a pair of trousers. Persons wearing high heels, sandals, or flip-flops will be forbidden access to the site.

Conclusion

The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is a journey into the ancient underground that reveals the wonders and mysteries of a prehistoric civilization. The temple is a unique and rare example of underground architecture that showcases the skills and creativity of the temple builders. The temple is also a rich source of art and culture that reflect the lives and beliefs of the temple dwellers. The temple is also a mysterious and intriguing site that raises many questions and mysteries about the origin, fate, and influence of the temple and its inhabitants.

If you are interested in learning more about the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni, you should visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, where you can see some of the artefacts and sculptures that were found in the temple. You can also read some of the books and articles that have been written about the temple, such as “The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: A Prehistoric Sanctuary” by Anthony Pace or “The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni: A Sound and Vision Experience” by Ruben Zahra.

We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new and interesting about the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni?

The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is about 5000 years old, and dates back to the Neolithic era, between 3600 and 2500 BC.

How many people can visit the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni per day?

The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni can only accommodate 80 visitors per day, divided into 10 groups of 8 people each. This is to protect the temple from environmental and structural damage, and to preserve its authenticity and integrity.

How long does it take to visit the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni?

The visit to the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni takes about 50 minutes, including a 10-minute audiovisual presentation and a 40-minute guided tour of the temple.

What should I wear and bring when visiting the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni?

You should wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear, as the temple is underground and has uneven and slippery surfaces.

What are the opening hours of the Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni?

The Hypogeum Temple of Hal Saflieni is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Good Friday.