Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni
Photograph of the Hypogeum by Richard Ellis before 1910
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| Location | Paola, Malta |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35°52′12″N 14°30′23″E / 35.87000°N 14.50639°E |
| Area | 500m2 |
| History | |
| Material | Limestone |
| Founded | c.4000 BC (earliest remains) |
| Abandoned | c.2500 BC |
| Periods | Saflieni phase |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1903–1908, 1990–1993 |
| Archaeologists |
Manuel Magri Anthony Pace Nathaniel Cutajar Reuben Grima |
| Condition | Well preserved |
| Ownership | Government of Malta |
| Management | Heritage Malta |
| Public access | Yes |
| Website | Heritage Malta |
| Official name | Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | iii |
| Designated | 1980 (4th session) |
| Reference no. | 130 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni is a subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase (3300-3000 BC) in Maltese prehistory, located in Paola, Malta. It is often simply referred to as the Hypogeum (Maltese: Ipoġew), literally meaning "underground" in Greek. The Hypogeum is thought to have been originally a sanctuary, but it became a necropolis in prehistoric times, and in fact, the remains of more than 7,000 individuals have been found. It is the only known prehistoric underground temple in the world.
The first level is only ten metres below the surface, and it is very similar to tombs found in Xemxija, near St. Paul's Bay. Some rooms are natural caves which were later artificially extended.
The second level was opened when the original builders found that the first level was no longer adequate. This level features several apparently important rooms:
The lower story contained no bones or offerings, only water. It strongly suggests storage, maybe of grain.
The Hypogeum was discovered by accident in 1902 when workers cutting cisterns for a new housing development broke through its roof. The workers tried to hide the temple at first, but eventually it was found. The study of the structure was first entrusted to Father Manuel Magri of the Society of Jesus, who directed the excavations on behalf of the Museums Committee, starting from November 1903. Magri died in 1907, before the publication of the report. Following Magri's sudden death, excavation resumed under Sir . It was opened to visitors in 1908.
Queen Mary (though not King George V) visited the Hypogeum in January 1912, on their return journey from the Delhi Durbar.
The hypogeum was included on the Antiquities List of 1925.
The Hypogeum was depicted on a 2 cents 5 mils stamp issued in Malta in 1980 to commemorate the acceptance by UNESCO of this unique structure in the World Heritage Site list. Excavations took place between 1990 and 1993 by Anthony Pace, Nathaniel Cutajar and Reuben Grima. It was then closed to visitors between 1991 and 2000 for restoration works; and since its reopening, Heritage Malta (the government body that looks after historical sites) only allows entry to 80 people per day, while the site's microclimate is strictly regulated.
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