Fun Facts You Might Not Know About: Tarxien!

Tarxien (pronounced Tar-sheen) is one of Malta’s most interesting towns, especially if you are into ancient secrets, stone temples and cool names. This quiet town in the south of Malta is world-famous for the Tarxien Temples, a group of prehistoric temples that are over 5,000 years old! That makes them older than the pyramids of Egypt. These temples were used for religious ceremonies and maybe even animal sacrifices. You can still see carvings of spirals, animals and even statues that look like big stone ladies wearing skirts. They are a big deal, and that is why Tarxien is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But there is more to Tarxien than just old stones. The name Tarxien might come from the word tirix, which means a big stone or rocky area, which makes sense because of all the temple remains found there. Tarxien is also known for its strong community, traditional festas and a big love for culture and music. The town celebrates the feast of the Annunciation in March, with band marches, colourful decorations, and yes, lots of fireworks. The streets come alive with excitement, and everyone joins in the fun.

Tarxien also has a long farming history. The land around it was always used to grow crops and raise animals. That is probably why many of the carvings in the temples show animals like goats and pigs. Even today, you can spot old stone farmhouses, little fields with vegetables and friendly locals who still grow their own food. You might even see someone selling honey, olive oil or fresh eggs right from their doorstep!

Another cool fact? Tarxien used to have part of the Malta railway line running through it. The train no longer works, but some parts of the track and station buildings can still be seen if you know where to look. It is like a secret treasure for history fans!

So if you ever visit Tarxien, do not just rush through it. Take a walk, visit the ancient temples, check out the old church, and enjoy a pastizz from a local shop. This small town is one of the oldest in Malta, and it still has loads of stories to tell!

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