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The Hypogeum, or underground cavity, is a unique monument and a
splendid example of architecture in the negative. It was discovered
accidentally in 1902 by a stone mason who was laying the foundations
of some houses.
The Hypogeum consists of halls, chambers and passages hewn out of
the living rock and covering some 500m˛. The rock-cut chambers are
of a diverse shapes and sizes and finished to different standards of
workmanship. The complex is grouped in three levels – the upper
level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC), and the lower
level (3150 -2500 BC). The deepest room in the lower level is 10.6
metres under road surface.
The upper level consists of a large hollow with a central passage
and burial chambers cut on each side. One of the chambers still
contains original burial deposits. The middle level consists of
various chambers very smoothly finished, which give the impression
of built masonry. The workmanship is all the more impressive when
one considers that the chambers were meticulously carved using only
flint and stone tools. Curvilinear and spiral paintings in red ochre
are still visible in some areas.
This unique monument is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
To ensure its conservation, the site’s microclimate is strictly
regulated: temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels
are constantly monitored to ensure the Hypogeum’s survival for
future generations.
A tour of the site starts with a brief introductory exhibition and
multilingual audio-visual film focusing on the temple building
peoples and the Hypogeum’s relationship to Malta’s overground temple
sites.
Only a limited number of visitors are
permitted to enter each day.
Due to the popularity of the Hypogeum,
visitors may find it difficult to obtain entrance tickets as there
could be a waiting period of up to six weeks.
We will be pleased to purchase tickets
on behalf of clients booking accommodation through Maltassist.
For
others who have already booked their accommodation with some other
agency but are unable to get hold of tickets, we will be pleased to
try to obtain these - there will be a service charge for such
tickets.
Order your Hypogeum tickets
here
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