Relive an ancient experience

Heritage Malta is inviting you to welcome winter on Saturday, 21st of December, during the Winter Solstice at the prehistoric Mnajdra Temples.

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and is the first day of winter. Part of Mnajdra, which was one of the Neolithic complexes built between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC, was constructed to mark the position of the rising sun on the first day of each season.

Participants will watch the sun rise as the first sun’s rays light up the very edge of a megalith found along the passage connecting the first pair of chambers to the inner chambers. Since the people who built these buildings are thought to have been farmers, their livelihood depended heavily on agriculture and probably, the changing seasons had a special significance to them. Possibly, gatherings of people and celebrations in this area during this period have taken place since ancient times.

Meeting at 06.30am outside the Ħaġar Qim Park Visitor Centre.

Price: €25 per person, €15 for Heritage Malta members.

Tickets are available from Heritage Malta sites and museums, & ONLINE.