Heritage Malta is organising an early morning visit to the Mnajdra Temples on Monday, the 20th of September and Tuesday, the 21st of September for members of the public.

On this day the rays of the rising sun pass directly through the main doorway, straight down the central axis, and reach the innermost, central apse. This phenomenon can also be seen during the spring equinox. On the day of the summer solstice the rays fall on the edge of a megalith to the left of the central doorway connecting the first pair of chambers to the inner chambers whilst during the winter solstice in December the same effect can be seen on the corresponding megalith on the right hand side of this doorway. Although there is no definite proof that the temples were used as calendars, the orientation of these megaliths is so systematic that it is widely believed that this was very probable. In prehistoric agricultural societies, observation of the motion of the stars, the moon and the sun could have been related to the changing seasons and times of planting and harvesting of crops.

Participants will meet at quarter past six in the morning in front of the main gate of Hagar Qim Temples to walk down to the Mnajdra Temples.

Tickets can be obtained from the Heritage Malta Head Office in Merchants Valletta and from all Heritage Malta sites and museums. The price is Euro 15 per person and Euro 10 for Heritage Malta and ICOM members. Since only a limited number of persons can participate in this event, tickets will be available on a first come basis. For more information phone Heritage Malta on 2295 4000.

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