Heritage Malta’s next heritage trail will focus on the solstice phenomenon, which heralds the start of the summer season. Participants will be taken to three main temple sites (Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien) on Wednesday 20 June. Participants will first witness sunrise at the Mnajdra temples and the solstice phenomenon. On this particular day, the first rays of the sun light up the edge of a megalith found to the left of the centre doorway connecting the first pair of the chambers to the inner chambers. The movement of the sun’s rays at the start of a new season is so systematic that it is highly probable that the temples’ orientation was intentional to reflect the changing seasons which coincided with planting and harvesting of crops.

After the sunrise phenomenon, the group will proceed with a guided tour of Hagar Qim Temples followed by a stop for breakfast at Ghar Lapsi.

The last stop on this heritage trail will be Tarxien Temples. Limited tickets for participation in this thematic heritage trail are selling for Lm7 (EUR16.31) from Heritage Malta’s head office. Further information can be obtained by calling 2295 4312.

Meanwhile, those interested in experiencing the solstice phenomenon at Mnajdra Temples can book their attendance for one of two guided tours at sunrise which will take place this Thursday 21 June and Friday 22 June respectively. Tickets cost Lm5 (EUR11.65) per person and only a maximum of 40 persons can be accommodated for every tour.

Heritage Malta members qualify for a 50 per cent discount.

Tickets have to be pre-booked by calling head office on

2295 4312.