The Tarxien Temple complex, is one of the finest megalithic sites that has been excavated to date. It is located to the east of another prominent Neolithic site, that of the Hal Saflieni hypogeum. This is considered one of the most elaborate group of megalithic remains both for its architecture and its internal decoration. The different buildings of this complex cover an area of 4200sqm. Their orientation varies from south to southwest and west-south-west and each temple is provided with separate access. The central temple may also be accessed through the south temple. One of the most remarkable features of the Tarxien complex is that the central temple is composed of six apses. This is the only known example of such a layout and it represents the final phase in the long evolution of the temple plan.

This site is also of unique importance because it yielded the greatest concentration of decorative art known from any of the temple sites. The decorated megaliths were mainly found within the first temple and are popularly referred to as altars. This association is due to the discovery of several objects which suggest the practice of certain rituals. Of particular importance is the unique altar to your right. This altar does not simply consist of the usual horizontal decorated megalith, but it also includes a series of smaller megaliths placed horizontally and vertically creating a small rectangular opening. Even more dramatic was the discovery in the cavity of the block itself. Within this space, there were discovered a flint blade, a long bone spatula, animal bones, marine shells and numerous fragments of Maltese Neolithic ware. A number of these sculptured megaliths were removed from the Tarxien temple complex to be housed within the newly established National Museum of Archaeology between 1956-1957. This move was effected to counter the weathering process that threatened the preservation of these megaliths.

The Spiral By far the most common design in Maltese megalithic art is that of the spiral and its derivatives. The spiral design is an extremely eye-catching creation which still attracts much interest and speculation as to its meaning. Its conspicuous presence in temple decoration, ceramic design and other art work suggests that the image had a significance that was common to the Maltese islands, very much like language. Yet Maltese spiral decorations are all different in style and character. Some creations follow perfect spiraling circles. Some are grouped into a well planned sequence. Others form compositions of opposed or single spirals. Some spirals are linked in a flowing arrangement. Other seemingly spiral designs are not spirals at all but derivatives in the form of ‘C’ designs and variations. These flowing designs inspired what seem to be naturalistic images of some form of plant or tree. The spiral motif is known from other parts of the world.