Temple of Proserpina, Roman temple in Mtarfa, Malta
The Temple of Proserpina is a Roman religious structure located on elevated ground near Mtarfa, commanding views across much of the Maltese landscape. From this position, the site overlooks the terrain extending toward the former capital of Mdina and beyond.
A scholar named Gian Francesco Abela discovered a Latin inscription confirming the temple in 1613, uncovered during excavations for a Saint Nicholas statue. This ancient written record marks the earliest known documented evidence of the site.
The temple was dedicated to Proserpina, the Roman goddess of the underworld and renewal, merging Greek and Roman religious beliefs on the island. This sacred place shows how different traditions coexisted in Malta's spiritual life.
The site is located on elevated ground and accessible from Mtarfa, with sturdy footwear recommended for the approach. The best time to visit is during milder weather in the early months or autumn, when heat is less demanding.
A Latin inscription reveals that Chrestion, a freedman who served as administrator of Malta and Gozo under Emperor Augustus, funded the temple restoration. This connection to a high-ranking official administrator highlights the local importance of the site during the early Roman era.
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