{"id":269694,"date":"2025-06-14T09:15:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T09:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=269694"},"modified":"2025-06-14T09:15:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T09:15:26","slug":"historical-places-in-malta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/historical-places-in-malta\/","title":{"rendered":"Historical Places In Malta: Top 10 Beautiful Landmarks You Cannot Miss Exploring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Malta holds centuries of history in every stone, chapel, and fortress scattered across its islands. This small Mediterranean nation is home to some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, beautifully preserved forts, and sacred pilgrimage sites. Exploring historical places in Malta means walking through ancient civilisations, medieval towns, and Baroque marvels, all within a few hours\u2019 drive. From Neolithic temples to World War-era forts and sacred cathedrals, each site has a unique story to tell.<\/em><\/p>\n

10 Must-Visit Historical Places In Malta<\/h2>\n

Here are ten prehistoric wonders of grand Baroque architecture, and the historical places in Malta reflect its rich and varied heritage to explore:<\/p>\n

1. \u0126al Saflieni Hypogeum<\/h3>\n
\"The<\/div>\n

Photo: xiquinhosilva \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The \u0126al Saflieni Hypogeum is a relic from Malta\u2019s deep past, one of the most historical places in Malta. Built over 6,000 years ago, this underground complex was carved entirely out of rock using only stone and antler tools. The site served as a collective burial place, but it was also spiritual. Wall carvings, red ochre markings, and the careful shape of certain chambers suggest it held meaning far beyond the practical. One room, known for its echoing acoustics, seems designed for voice and sound. Only 10 visitors are allowed per hour to preserve the environment inside. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Reachable via public bus routes from Valletta (routes 82, 88, or 119).
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac35 for adults, \u20ac20 for children and students \/ \u20b93430 for adults and \u20b91960 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Tarxien Temples, Paola Parish Church, G\u0127ar Dalam Cave.<\/p>\n

2. Mdina Old City<\/h3>\n
\"Mdina<\/div>\n

Photo: Zairon \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Mdina, once the capital of Malta, is among the most architecturally intact historical places in Malta. The current walls and buildings reflect a mix of Norman, Baroque, and medieval styles of centuries of different rulers. The view from the city\u2019s bastions stretches across the island, making it a favourite spot for visitors during sunset. St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral, with its elaborate marble floor and twin bell towers, stands at the heart of Mdina. Several noble families still live here, and many of their ancestral houses are now open as museums.<\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Take a direct bus from Valletta (routes 51, 52, or 53) to Rabat.
\nTimings:<\/strong> 24*7
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> St. Paul’s Catacombs, Mdina Dungeons, Rabat Domus Romana.<\/p>\n

3. Fort St. Elmo<\/h3>\n
\"Ruined<\/div>\n

Photo: John Haslam \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Fort St. Elmo stands at the edge of Valletta, where the two main harbours meet and is one of the historical places in Malta. It was built in 1552 by the Knights of St. John to protect this vital entry point. The loss was expected, but their defence stalled the Ottoman attack and gave time for reinforcements. Inside the fort is the National War Museum. It holds items from the siege, the French occupation, and both world wars. One of the museum\u2019s most important exhibits is the George Cross, awarded to Malta for its courage during World War Two. Fort St.<\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> From Valletta City Gate, walk straight through Republic Street to the tip of the peninsula
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac10 for adults, \u20ac6 for children \/ \u20b9980 for adults and \u20b9580 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Sunday)
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> National War Museum, Lower Barrakka Gardens, Siege Bell War Memorial.<\/p>\n

4. Hagar Qim Temples<\/h3>\n
\"\u0126a\u0121ar<\/div>\n

Photo: Simon Burchell Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

\u0126a\u0121ar Qim stands on a rocky slope above the sea near Qrendi, facing the islet of Filfla, one of the most historical places in Malta. They were shaped and stacked without mortar, yet the structure still stands. The temple has thick curved walls, small chambers, and stone altars. How early islanders worshipped and buried their dead. Excavations found statues of wide-hipped female figures, carved stone slabs, and remains of animals, which may have been used in offerings. Every year around the summer solstice, sunlight passes through the doorway and lights a section of the inner room. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Take bus 74 from Valletta to Qrendi or drive along Route 1 to Wied i\u017c-\u017burrieq
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac10 for adults, \u20ac5.50 for children \/ \u20b9980 for adults and \u20b9540 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 5 PM.
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Mnajdra Temples, Blue Grotto, Wied i\u017c-\u017burrieq Bay.<\/p>\n

5. St. John\u2019s Co-Cathedral<\/h3>\n
\"St.<\/div>\n

Photo: Simon Burchell \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

St. John\u2019s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John, is one of the historical places in Malta. The inside is covered in carved stone, gilded arches, and painted ceilings that reflect the wealth and power of the Order. Every chapel along the side aisles represents a different Langue, or national division, of the Knights. The most famous work here is Caravaggio\u2019s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, which hangs in the Oratory. It is the only painting he ever signed. This cathedral was designed to show the Order\u2019s strength after the Great Siege. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Located in central Valletta; walkable from the City Gate or any bus stop in the city
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac15 for adults, \u20ac7.50 for students \/ \u20b91470 for adults and \u20b9730 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 4.30 PM (Monday to Friday)
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Grandmaster\u2019s Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Republic Street.<\/p>\n

6. Fort Rinella<\/h3>\n
\"Entrance<\/div>\n

Photo: Frank Vincentz \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Fort Rinella is located in Kalkara and was built by the British, one of the historical places in Malta. It was one of four forts built around the empire to support a specific weapon, the 100-ton Armstrong gun. The gun at Fort Rinella was built in 1879 and could fire a shell weighing around 2,000 pounds across a distance of three kilometres. It was designed with a mechanical loading system powered by steam and hydraulic pumps, allowing faster reloading for a massive weapon. The fort also includes underground chambers, storage areas, and a protected gun platform. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Bus 3 or 213 from Valletta to Kalkara.
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac12 for adults, \u20ac5 for children \/ \u20b91170 for adults and \u20b9490 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> 10 AM – 5 PM Monday to Saturday
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Esplora Interactive Centre, Villa Bighi, Smart City Waterfront.<\/p>\n

7. Tarxien Temples<\/h3>\n
\"Tarxien<\/div>\n

Photo: Joonas L \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Tarxien Temples sit in a quiet residential part of Tarxien, a few minutes walk from the Paola church square. What followed was the excavation of four temple structures, placed side by side, built across different centuries. The site belongs to Malta\u2019s late Neolithic period and includes some of the finest stonework found on the islands. Carved spirals, animal figures, and a large seated statue are all original. Some rooms have smooth stone benches and low walls with open spaces between them, believed to be altars. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Walkable from Paola station or reachable via bus (routes 81, 82, 84).
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac6 for adults, \u20ac4.50 for students and seniors \/ \u20b9590 for adults and \u20b9440 for children and senior
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 5 PM.
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Hypogeum of \u0126al-Saflieni, Church of St. Ubaldesca, Paola Square.<\/p>\n

8. The Grandmaster\u2019s Palace<\/h3>\n
\"The<\/div>\n

Photo: Cosal \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Grandmaster\u2019s Palace is one of the oldest and most historical places in Malta. Now it houses the Office of the President of Malta. The building faces St. George\u2019s Square and occupies a large block in the city centre. Inside, the corridors are lined with full suits of armour, weapons, and tapestries that date back to the 18th century. The State Rooms and Council Chamber are open to visitors when official duties aren\u2019t taking place. The walls and ceilings are covered with frescoes showing major events from the Order\u2019s history. <\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Short walk from the Valletta City Gate; any city bus stops nearby
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> \u20ac10 for adults, \u20ac6 for concessions \/ \u20b9980 for adults and \u20b9580 for children
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 4.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> National Library, St. George\u2019s Square, Merchant Street.<\/p>\n

9. Mnajdra Temples<\/h3>\n
\"Mnajdra<\/div>\n

Photo: Docrgd \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Mnajdra Temples stand on a low ridge overlooking the sea near Qrendi, a few hundred metres downhill from the more well-known \u0126a\u0121ar Qim site. The complex includes three separate temples joined by a shared forecourt. The oldest of the three is the smallest, built first and tucked to the left. The central and south temples are larger and show more advanced construction. The south temple is aligned so that sunlight passes directly through the doorway during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Mnajdra remains one of the most historical places in Malta.<\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Close to Hagar Qim; take bus 74 from Valletta or drive to Qrendi.
\nEntry Fee:<\/strong> Combined ticket with Hagar Qim: \u20ac10 \/ \u20b9980
\nTimings:<\/strong> 9 AM – 5 PM
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto, Maqluba Sinkhole.<\/p>\n

10. Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Blessed Virgin Of Ta Pinu<\/h3>\n
\"Front<\/div>\n

Photo: Diego Delso \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Basilica of Ta\u2019 Pinu is located in the open countryside just outside the village of G\u0127arb in Gozo. It stands on the site of a much older chapel that had long been associated with answered prayers and personal miracles. In 1883, a local woman claimed to have heard the voice of the Virgin Mary while praying in the small chapel. By the early 20th century, a new church was planned to accommodate the growing crowds. The basilica is built entirely from local limestone and follows a Romanesque design with a tall bell tower and finely carved interior columns.<\/p>\n

How To Reach:<\/strong> Ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, then take bus 308 or drive towards G\u0127arb
\nTimings:<\/strong> 7 AM – 7 PM.
\nNearby Attractions:<\/strong> \u0120gantija Temples, Ta’ Dbie\u0121i Crafts Village, Dwejra Bay.<\/p>\n

The historical places in Malta hold the marks of civilisations that shaped the island through temples, sieges, devotion, and rule. From Neolithic chambers to palaces that still function today, every corner reveals something preserved, not recreated. These ten places show how much Malta has witnessed across time and how much it has survived. Explore more such exciting packages offered by TripXL that promise an unforgettable adventure.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cover Photo: Anton Zelenov \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently Asked Questions <\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t