If you’ve been here, then you know that you have every right to boast about the experience. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum has been demarcated as a unique site on the World Heritage List, for it is truly unique in what it reflects about a cultural tradition that has since long vanished from the world. The Hypogeum, which literally means “underground” in Greek, is a Neolithic underground structure, which has been traced back to 3300 to 3000 BC in Maltese prehistory. It is most likely to have been a sanctuary and a necropolis - or, in simpler terms - an underground burial site, among many other things.

After the hypogeum was originally discovered in 1902, Manuel Magri directed the excavations, but his sudden passing in Tunisia five years later meant that his excavation notes were all but lost. Sir Themistocles Zammit then took over, and he attempted to recover all that he could. Today, you can explore the rock-cut chambers, which are found, on three separate levels, and all are interconnecting. The first is made up of a large hollow with burial chambers on its sides. From there, you can find your way to the Middle level, where you can admire the red ochre wall paintings that are the oldest and only prehistoric paintings on the Maltese Islands, as well as the intricately carved features. The lowest level leads you into a chamber, which is more commonly known as the “Holy of Holies”. This is a trip you definitely won’t regret!