Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (Ħal Saflieni) lies under a residential street in Paola (Raħal Ġdid), on a hill above the inner end of the Grand Harbour. A stonemason found it by accident in 1902 while laying foundations for houses, and the upper level was damaged before the discovery was reported. Excavation ran until 1911. The complex was in use between about 4000 BC and 2500 BC and covers some 500 square metres. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.

The halls, chambers and passages are cut out of soft globigerina limestone on three levels, with later users digging deeper as space ran out. The upper level is a large hollow with burial chambers on each side, one of which still holds original burial deposits. Some smoothly finished chambers on the middle level imitate the interiors of the above-ground megalithic temples. The deepest room, on the lower level, lies 10.6 metres below road level. The famous Sleeping Lady figurine found here is now in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Booking rules (as Heritage Malta states them)

• Pre-booking is a must, through the Heritage Malta online store or at any Heritage Malta site. Heritage Malta strongly recommends booking early; slots sell out well ahead.
• Only 10 people are allowed inside at any one time, to control carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity in the chambers.
• One person can buy a maximum of 4 tickets, except families; families of more than four must show identification for every member.
• As of November 2026, last-minute tickets, if available, cost EUR 50 and go on sale only one day before the visit, first come, first served. Until 12:00 they are sold only at Fort St Elmo and the shop at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology (the museum itself is closed); after 12:00 also at the National Museum of Archaeology, the Domvs Romana and the Hypogeum.
• Children under 6 are not admitted. Children aged 6 to 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Photography and filming are not allowed. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour and wear closed, comfortable shoes; high heels and flip-flops are not admitted.

Hours and tickets (as of November 2026)

• Regular tickets are EUR 35 for adults, EUR 20 for youths (12 to 17) and seniors (60+), and EUR 15 for children (6 to 11).
• As of November 2026, check the available timed slots in Heritage Malta's booking store; holiday closures also apply.
• It is closed to the public from 18 to 24 January 2027.

Your Hypogeum ticket gives 50 percent off admission at the nearby Tarxien Temples when you buy that ticket at the door, which makes the pair an obvious half-day. The nearest bus stop is two minutes' walk away; see getting around by bus.