Description of the attraction
Probably the most inaccessible attraction of Malta can be considered the underground temple of Hal Saflini. Hard to reach, not because it's hard to get to. No, it is located in the center of Paola, a few blocks from the parish church. It is very difficult to get into the Khal Saflini hypogeum. Entry is only allowed with tickets purchased online. And they sell them for several weeks or even months in advance. You won't be able to get into the museum with any tourist group either.
The construction of the Hal Saflini complex began in 4000 BC. NS. It consists of three levels, connected by a spiral staircase. Researchers believe that the Khal Saflini hypogeum is the oldest underground temple on the entire planet. The temple was carved into a limestone rock at a depth of 12 meters. He was discovered during the preparation of a pit for the construction of a residential building. At first, the priest Emmanuel was engaged in research work here, and after his death, the famous local archaeologist T. Zammit became interested in hypogeum. In his opinion, this temple housed an oracle who predicted the future, which made the Maltese archipelago one of the most popular places in the Mediterranean at that time.
At first, the upper temple created in the cave was cleared of debris. It is the oldest of the three underground sanctuaries. Under it are the contemporaries of the Jgantiya and Tarshin temples. These "younger" structures are richly decorated and are larger than the upper temple. On the middle level, the most interesting are the oracle hall with a red ceiling and floral ornaments on the walls and the holy of holies room, whose walls are decorated with skillful stone carvings. On the third level there are ceremonial rooms. A huge burial of people was discovered in the Khal Saflini temple. The remains of about 7 thousand skeletons were found here.
