Għar Dalam, Prehistoric cave and archaeological museum in Birżebbuġa, Malta.
The 144-meter-long limestone cave contains multiple layers of sediment holding fossils, bones, and archaeological materials from different time periods.
Excavations in the 19th century revealed five distinct layers, with the deepest containing remains from 500,000 years ago, including bones of extinct animals.
The museum displays Victorian-style exhibits in the Joseph Baldacchino Hall, presenting ancient animal bones and artifacts from Malta's earliest human settlements.
Visitors can access the first 50 meters of the cave, with admission prices set at 6.50 euros for adults and 5.00 euros for seniors.
The cave holds remains of extinct miniature animals, including dwarf elephants and hippopotami that existed during the Pleistocene period in Malta.
Location: Birżebbuġa
Elevation above the sea: 23 m
Address: Għar Dalam Road, B’Buġia BBG 9014, Malta BBG 9014
Phone: +35621657419
Website: https://heritagemalta.org/ghar-dalam
GPS coordinates: 35.83598,14.52762
Latest update: May 10, 2025 14:17
Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre. The city displays baroque architecture and military installations from the Knights of Malta period. The Neolithic temple complexes rank among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra near Qrendi date from around 3600 to 3200 BC, while the Ġgantija temples on Gozo are even older. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an underground necropolis with multiple chambers. The Tarxien temples show decorated stone blocks and reliefs. The coastline offers different formations: the Dingli Cliffs reach 830 feet (253 meters) in height, while the Blue Grotto near Qrendi features sea caves with turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon on Comino has shallow, clear water. Golden Bay near Mellieħa is a sandy beach. Fort Rinella in Kalkara preserves an 1884 Armstrong gun. The medieval town of Mdina and the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo display fortress architecture from different periods.
Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age fossil deposits. The geological diversity appears at locations like Il-Maqluba, a natural sinkhole crater, and the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq, while coastal fortifications such as Mistra Battery and the Red Tower document the island's defensive heritage. Religious sites mark the rural areas, including the Chapel of Santa Marija Tal-Virtu in Rabat and the chapels of Qrendi. The Buskett Gardens and San Anton Gardens provide green spaces with historical significance, while Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park protects coastal habitats. Archaeological complexes like Tas-Silġ show layers of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine settlement. The Victoria Lines near Rabat, an 18th-century defensive wall, and Fort Binġemma demonstrate military architecture from different periods. Gozo adds locations such as Mgarr ix-Xini, a sheltered inlet, and Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery.
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