Ultimate Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Hagar Qim & the National Museum
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Port
Valletta, Malta
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Hypogeum literally means "underground". The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is the oldest underground temple and necropolis ever discovered. Visiting on your own requires purchasing tickets months in advance but, today, you have a chance to take advantage of pre-reserved tickets to discover what the Hypogeum is all about.
Your tour begins with an overview of the site and an audiovisual presentation. Then, enter the Hypogeum's series of underground chambers, halls and passages on three different levels. The excavated rooms range in age from the Bronze Age -- 3600 to 2500 BC. The second level features sophisticated stonework and boasts a number of temple-like rooms, including the Oracle Room with its astonishing acoustics, the Decorated Room and the Snake Pit. Art objects and artifacts, including elongated skulls, pottery and figurines, found on this level are now on display at the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta.
The megalithic, stone-age Hagar Qim Temples date back more than 6,000 years, predating the pyramids of Egypt. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch a short audio-visual presentation; then, proceed to the temples. Your guide will walk through with you, giving you an insight into these fascinating structures whose purpose is the subject of much debate. .
Back in Valletta, your destination is the Malta National Museum of Archeology, housed in the Auberge de Provence. It was built in 1571 and is one of the first buildings erected after the Great Siege. The museum exhibits art and artifacts from as early as 5600 BC, discovered at Malta's many prehistoric sites. Museum highlights include The Sleeping Lady statue and a number of Earth goddess fertility figures.
You will walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch; then, re-board your motorcoach and return to the ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.