The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes World Heritage as places of exceptional value to humanity that deserve protection for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. These sites belong to everyone, regardless of where they are located.

Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its small area of 316 square kilometres, giving it the highest density of such sites in any nation. With its rich history, clear blue seas, and diverse cultural heritage, Malta attracts visitors worldwide and has become an appealing destination for those looking to relocate.

Since 1980, Malta has had three sites listed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites List: The City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples of Malta, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

The City of Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s capital, was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. The city is like an open-air museum with its Baroque palaces, churches, fortifications, monuments, and gardens on every corner of its grid-like layout.

Visitors can enjoy shopping, boutique hotels, restaurants, and cafes that blend perfectly with the historic surroundings. They can experience traditional cuisine in the shadows of ancient palaces, explore hidden gems in various museums, and enjoy modern entertainment in this history-rich city.

With 320 monuments within an area of 55.5 hectares, Valletta offers plenty to discover. Highlights include St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its stunning interior and Caravaggio’s masterpieces, The Grandmaster’s Palace which houses the Office of the President of Malta, the Teatru Manoel, one of Europe’s oldest working theatres, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are seven ancient sites scattered across Malta and Gozo. These impressive stone buildings date back to between 3600 and 2500 BC, making them some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Each temple is unique and showcases the incredible architectural and artistic skills of the prehistoric people who built them.

The temples share some common features such as an elliptical forecourt leading to a concave façade, and walls made of large upright stone slabs topped with horizontal blocks. The outer walls are often made of larger stones set in alternating patterns to keep the structure stable, with gaps filled with stones and earth.

The entrances are usually in the centre of the façades, leading to grand passageways and into paved courtyards. Inside, the temples have semi-circular chambers known as apses, arranged symmetrically on either side of the main path. The number of apses varies, with some temples having three, while others have up to six.

The builders used local stone, choosing hard coralline limestone for the outer walls and softer globigerina limestone for the interiors and decorations. The intricate decorations inside the temples show their high level of craftsmanship, featuring panels with drilled holes and carvings of spirals, trees, plants, and animals. These designs and the objects found within the temples suggest they were used for important rituals by a well-organized society.

Adapted from Megalithic Temples of Malta (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/132),  licensed under CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Imagine the awe-inspiring feeling of stepping back 5,500 years as you explore one of Malta’s megalithic temples!

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a fascinating underground burial site that offers a glimpse into an ancient civilization that no longer exists. It was in use from 4000 BC to 1500 BC and spans an impressive 500 square meters.

Described by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the world’s best-preserved historic sites, the Hypogeum was discovered by accident in 1902 when a stone mason was building houses on the site.

Archaeologists found a treasure trove of artifacts at the Hypogeum, including pottery, human bones, personal ornaments, carved animals, and larger figurines. The complex is carved out of globigerina limestone and consists of halls, chambers, and passages spread across three levels: the upper, middle, and lower levels. As space became limited, the builders dug deeper into the rock.

The upper level features a large hollow area with a central passage and burial chambers on each side. One chamber still contains original burial remains. The middle level has smoothly-finished chambers that resemble the interiors of above-ground megalithic structures. The deepest room is located more than 10 meters below street level.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was among the first sites in Malta to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, known for its unique insight into a long-lost civilization.

Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a captivating journey through time, showcasing the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Valletta, marvelling at the ancient Megalithic Temples, or discovering the mysteries of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Malta provides an unforgettable experience for all. Its unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it an ideal destination for both tourists and those seeking a new place to call home.

Image credit – https://www.worldhistory.org/image/245/the-sleeping-lady/

Written by: Stephen Pace-Bonello – Head of Marketing