ĦAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM

Much older than Valetta, but not as old as the other of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malta, the Megalithic Temples, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum near Paola is an underground chamber that dates back to 2500 BC. Thanks to extensive excavation a wealth of archaeological ethnography has been uncovered and collected including human skeletons, pottery, figurines, carved animals, and personal ornaments such as beads and amulets.
Hewn from the rock, the Hypogeum has an area of around 500 m² and features passages, chambers, and halls. The chambers demonstrate various standards of workmanship and are diverse in size and shape. There are three levels to the complex with each level dating to a different era. The oldest level dates to 2500-3150 BC with the deepest level being 10.6 metres underground. The middle level dates from 3300-3000 BC and contains a number of chambers that have a smooth finish that resembles constructed masonry. The upper level dates from 3600-3300 BC and is a large hollow with burial chambers on each site leading off a central passage.