Although the Tarxien Temples may not be the most photogenic archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, they nonetheless offer a stimulating experience for visitors. The temples in fact hold the largest number of exceptional examples of prehistoric art and attest to an extraordinary society that produced astounding advances in art, technology and architecture, some 5,000 years ago.

Unlike the other extensive prehistoric sites such as Ggantija, Mnajdra or Hagar Qim Temples, Tarxien Temples do not have a monumental bearing on their surrounding landscape; on the contrary, they have been rather dwarfed by the urban development which has, over time, encroached within metres from the site.

The site was discovered in 1913 when local farmers informed Sir Themistocles Zammit, Malta’s first Director of Museums, that they struck large blocks of stone while ploughing their field. At the time, Zammit was completing excavations at the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and he requested the farmers to dig a trench in their field.

This led to the discovery of two large stone blocks and a quantity of pottery sherds. Consequently, Sir Temi Zammit excavated the site between 1915 and 1919, bringing to light an extensive megalithic site and putting our understanding of Maltese prehistory on a solid foundation.

Excavations started by exposing the South Temple of the Tarxien complex, excavating the cremation cemetery inserted into the ruins in the Early Bronze Age, then continuing successively with the Central, East and Early Temples. Further limited excavations were also conducted in various parts of the temple complex between 1921 and 1958.

This site consists in four principal megalithic structures. The small temple at the eastern end of the site, which originally consisted in five apses, was the first to be built some time between 3,600 and 3,200BC. The South and East Temples were then built in the Tarxien Phase (ca 3,000-2,500BC), while the six-apsed Central Temple was the last to be constructed. The South Temple is renowned for its highly-finished carvings, which include domestic animals carved in relief, and various spiral designs. A striking feature within this building is the remains of a colossal statue. Within the thickness of the wall between the South and Central Temples are the famous reliefs of two bulls and a sow with piglets.

The site seems to have been used extensively for rituals; animal bones and a flint blade were found within a decorated altar in the South Temple, suggesting that animal sacrifice formed part of the activities that took place within the building during the Temple Period. After the end of the Temple Culture the site was put to a different use, becoming the site of a cremation cemetery during the Bronze Age.

The Tarxien Temples have recently been the focus of extensive conservation studies and preparations for improved visitor facilities through an agreement between the Bank of Valletta and Heritage Malta.

With the help of the Bank of Valletta, Heritage Malta is slowly turning this archaeological site into an exciting discovery for all its visitors, while ensuring that this experience will be shared with future generations. The BOV Tarxien Temples Project, launched in September 2003, envisages the application of the latest technology for the preservation of this unique prehistoric site, as well as the construction of a visitors’ centre that will enable visitors to understand, enjoy and appreciate the value of this monument.

Some of the latest environmental monitoring equipment has been installed within a number of chambers as well as in the immediate vicinity of the monument. This equipment provides precise data on the environment at the site including wind speed and direction, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, barometric pressure and temperature. This data will be analysed by Heritage Malta’s conservation specialists, allowing them to understand better the site’s deterioration and the measures necessary for its preservation.

Progress has also been made with regard to the design of modern visitor facilities. The building has been designed in a sensitive manner both with respect to the archaeological value and potential of the site, as well as the surrounding residential streetscape. The centre’s location was chosen in collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage in order to minimise the risk of damaging any archaeological remains. Preparatory monitored excavations at this location will commence shortly.

The building itself will be completely reversible, having no excavated foundations but simply resting on the ground’s surface. The centre will be supported by a system of steel “stilts” whose position and location can be adapted according to the results of the preparatory excavations. In this manner, the visitors’ centre will not only respect any archaeological remains which may be discovered in the near future, but also safeguards the area of undeveloped natural landscape that has survived in the vicinity of the Tarxien Temples.

The visitors’ centre will include an exhibition area, audiovisual facilities, shop, cafeteria and activity centre. Most importantly, the centre aims to be educational as well as fun, preparing visitors for an informative as well as enjoyable experience of the Tarxien Temples.

Katya Stroud

Curator – World

Heritage Sites

Article provided by Heritage Malta