Point of interest
Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum
in Malta, Malta
A UNESCO-listed prehistoric underground temple in Paola, carved from rock around 4000 BC; tickets must be booked well ahead.
Where it is
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum lies underground on a hilltop in Paola, a town just south of Valletta near the Grand Harbour.
Address: Triq iċ-Ċimiterju, Paola
What it is
Hand-cut halls, chambers and passages span three levels, including the famous "Holy of Holies" and the "Oracle Room". To protect the fragile microclimate, visitor numbers are strictly capped, so booking online well in advance is essential.
History
This prehistoric sanctuary and later necropolis was cut from the limestone around 2500 BC and discovered by chance in 1902 during construction work. It is the only known prehistoric underground temple complex and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.