Mnajdra is located on Malta’s southern coast, nestled in a cleft in the cliffs. With a view of the isle of Filfla, it  is arguably the most atmospheric of all the temples in Malta. Three temples make up the complex site of Mnajdra, the oldest of which was built between 3600 and 3200 BC. Just 500m away is Ħaġar Qim. Standing at the peak of a promontory, Ħaġar Qim is over 5000 years old. To the east is a fertile plain, and to the west is a garrigue that slopes down to the sea.

As December creeps closer and closer, the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year, known as the winter solstice, is upon us. A portion of the Mnajdra was erected to mark the location of the sun’s rising point on the first day of each season. As Heritage Malta noted, the changing of the seasons most likely had a special meaning and may have also been a time for get-togethers and festivities, given that the builders of these structures were farmers whose livelihoods revolved around agriculture. 

In that spirit, Heritage Malta is hosting an early event at sun rise on December 21, where attendees can watch the sun glisten on the very edge of a megalith, along the passageway that connects the inner chambers to the first pair of chambers. What’s more, a tour of Mnajdra’s Central and East buildings, as well as the surrounding Natura 2000 site, will be provided. Moreover, all guests will receive a complimentary coffee prior to the tour. Guests are to meet outside the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra at 6:20 am.