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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
4.5
1,330 reviews
#1 of 11 things to do in Paola
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site, a complex made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC, and the complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC. The Hypogeum was first opened to the public in 1908. Due to its uniqueness, the site became very popular with visitors. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact on the delicate microclimate of the site. For this reason, a conservation project was conducted that also included the closure of the site for 10 years between 1990 and 2000. As a result of these studies, a new visiting system was established. Nowadays, only 10 visitors an hour are now allowed inside the Hypogeum for a maximum of 8 tours a day. This system is also complemented by an environmental control system which keeps temperature and humidity at required levels. Tickets for the Hypogeum should be purchased well in advance.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,330 reviews
Excellent
882
Very good
237
Average
123
Poor
41
Terrible
47
ANGELO V
Milan, Italy2,608 contributions
Ħal Saflieni
Mar 2023
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is a Neolithic subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase (3300 – 3000 BC) in Maltese prehistory. It is located in Paola, and it was a sanctuary and necropolis: the remains of more than 7,000 people were found here.

It was discovered by chance in 1902, during excavations for a house, and it is a unique discovery. It is listed in the UNESCO world heritage.

Visiting the hypogeum is amazing, puzzling and mind blowing. The structure develops on three levels, with the middle level the most interesting: it has several halls:
- Main Chamber, with most of the wall painted in red ochre. It was from this room that the Sleeping Lady was recovered (now at the Archaeological Museum in Valletta).
- Oracle Room, which has the peculiarity of producing a powerful acoustic resonance from vocalization made inside it. Spirals in red ochre with circular spots can be seen here.
- Decorated Room, also decorated in a pattern of spirals.
- Holy of Holies, the most refined hall and the most mysterious.

The hypogeum can only be visited by prior booking, and audioguides are included in the ticket. A guide is present during the full tour, and answer questions.

Some practicalities:
- by booking only, and maximum 10 persons per tour. Tours start at the top of the hour, and take exactly one hour;
- it is recommended to be there 10-15 minutes before the start of the tour, so you can be checked-in and deposit your belongings;
- "last minute tickets" might be available for the following day, but these are more expensive (50.00 Euro as of March 2023);
- everything must be deposited at the entrance (bags, backpacks, etc.);
- it is strictly forbidden to take photos - those caught to take pictures within the hypogeum are made to leave immediately;
- tickets are non-refundable;
- the entrance hall serves as waiting room, museum shop, deposit for bags. It is a small hall, and it can become quite crowded.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nwomble1
5 contributions
Amazing to see but the tour was lacking
Mar 2023
This was an incredible sight and I was glad we took the time to book tickets well in advance. HOWEVER, it's only with audio guide. Nothing really beats the enthusiasm of a real person explaining fascinating history to you (ie. the Lascaris war rooms we had an amazing guide who brought it all to life). The audio guide meant. we all trudged through in silence and there was no scope or time to ask questions and really take it in. There is also no flexibility on time and so make sure you leave plenty of time to arrive/park as they strictly won't let you in if you're late. However the site itself is incredible and very unique
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James D
Bere Regis, UK76 contributions
Mind blowing
Mar 2023
Just incredible. A civilization many thousands of years ago creating a monument of this skill, effort and complexity. Carving out doorways, pillars and chambers that are in perfect proportions and detail, deep underground into the living rock, using just lumps of rock and antlers as tools, and blazing torches for light. If they were just crude holes it would have been impressive, but the detail and design look almost modern in places. And the thrill of seeing the red swirls of paint that were applied by hands all those thousands of years ago still standing out today, You need to book well in advance - several weeks at least, a few months at times - but there are some last minute tickets released each day for the following day. They come at a premium price, but if that is the only way of getting to see the Hypogeum don't fail to grab your chance.
Written 3 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger S
Rochdale, UK12 contributions
Hypogeum is amazing and puzzling.
Feb 2023
It was a mazing a d puzzling. The work done with stone and bone is inc redible.
It is hard to understand what was driving them over 3000BC.
The tour takes 1 hr. With a very good audio narrative
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2325082
Melbourne, Australia48 contributions
Mesmerising
Jan 2023
This was a highlight of our trip to Malta. The guide was simply an adjunct to the audio, but that was ok because the 'tour' was so amazing and. the stories really completed our understanding of the history of Malta. My advice would be to get there early and listen to the audio as soon as they give it to you. A few people waited till after the intro and missed the background info.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan W
London, Canada7 contributions
Good vLue
Jan 2023
Excellent tour, well timed audio guide adds drama to the experience. Booked ~ 1 week in advance on line.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Douglas T
5 contributions
Hypogeum tour
Jan 2023
Good tour. Lasts about 1 hour. You should book your tickets online well in advance. In the summer you might need to book 3 months in advance. They only let 10 people in at one time so you do get close to the exhibit. My friend was disappointed that the don't turn the lights off or hear sounds but all in all a worthwhile experience.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nacout
Fresno, CA9 contributions
interesting, but not the highlight of my trip despite being the most expensive thing.
Jan 2023
This place was cool but it was SO expensive and the tour needs to be improved. Headset music was too loud and overpowered the words. What was all the "tapping" on the audioguide. I just am not sure it was worth the price with all the other temples.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mrc282
United States6,010 contributions
book in advance, 10 visitors per tour
Jan 2023 • Solo
this trip requires advanced booking. I wish it is real person commentary but it seems like most things in Malta are based on audio guide, which removes a personal element for me.

parking is available in the vicinity but to be safe, give yourself 5-15 min to locate one.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heritage Malta
Thank you for your feedback. The Hypogeum tour includes audio guides in 6 different languages. We have provided audio guides rather than physical tours so that visitors with different nationalities can still understand the explanation rather than delivering only tours in English. In addition, one of our staff accompanies visitors on every tour; therefore, if they need to ask something, they can do so or else they can direct their questions to the reception after the tour.
Written 31 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris
Scarborough, UK43 contributions
Full of Atmosphere & Intrigue
Nov 2022 • Friends
This was an atmospheric and intriguing monument to lost souls. Good lighting and audio effects really enhanced the visit. Spaces on visits are quite limited so remember to book early.
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola

Frequently Asked Questions about Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Hal Saflieni Hypogeum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Hal Saflieni Hypogeum tours on Tripadvisor
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