To mark the summer solstice, Heritage Malta will once again be organising guided tours of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd June at sunrise, when the sun can be seen rising in particular alignment with these sites. In addition, those present will also have the opportunity to visit the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park’s Visitor Centre.
On the first day of each season the sun rises in a particular alignment with these prehistoric buildings and although it is not known for certain whether these orientations were intentional, they are so systematic that this is very probable. In prehistoric agricultural societies, observation of the motion of the stars, the moon and sun could have been related to the changing seasons and times of planting and harvesting crops.
The summer solstice sunrise can be witnessed from either Ħaġar Qim or from Mnajdra Temples. To ensure that all visitors get to observe the rising sun, only a limited number of tickets are available for this event. Infact tickets for Ħaġar Qim are sold out while only limited places are available for Mnajdra Temples. Tickets are available from all Heritage Malta sites and museums and online, shop.heritagemalta.org, at €25 each while members of Heritage Malta pay €15 for their ticket.
Participants for this event will group early in the morning next to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Visitor Centre entrance at 5.30am. The tour includes the experience of the summer solstice, guided tour of both Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, access to the visitor centre with 4D show and coffee break.