On the 26th of January 1912, Queen Mary visited the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni, marking a significant moment in Malta’s history. The visit took place during the royal tour of King George V and Queen Mary, as they travelled across their empire.

At the time, the Hypogeum had been discovered only a decade earlier, in 1902, and was already gaining international recognition for its archaeological importance.

A recently shared throwback photo by the National Museum of Archaeology offers a glimpse into this historic event. The image not only features Queen Mary but also notable figures such as Sir Themistocles Zammit and Professor Napolean Tagliaferro, both of whom played key roles in Malta's cultural and scientific heritage. Their presence at the event highlights the significance of the royal visit in reinforcing the Hypogeum’s status as a major archaeological site.

What makes these photos particularly fascinating is the presence of local Maltese residents who can be seen peering over a newly constructed wall surrounding the entrance. Their expressions of curiosity and awe provide a rare snapshot of everyday life in early 20th-century Malta, capturing the excitement surrounding the royal visit.

What a historic throwback!