Due to its strategic position, the islands have had many visitors in the past: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, the Knights of St John, Napoleon and the British, all of whom left a mark which makes Malta what it is today, an island of rich cultural heritage.

Pre-historic temples that predate the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge, fortifications and natural harbours, palaces and catacombs are still standing for all to admire.  One of the most amazing archeological remains on our islands is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a unique monument and a splendid example of architecture. It was discovered accidentally in 1902 by a stone mason who was laying the foundations of some houses. It appears that the site was first in use around 3600 BC when some natural cavities were used as a repository for the bones of the dead. As the cavities filled up, new chambers were cut progressively deeper into the rock. Parts of the cavern system were skilfully carved in a clear imitation of the temple architecture built above ground. It has been calculated that around 7,000 persons were buried there, century after century.

The Hypogeum consists of halls, chambers and passages hewn out of the living rock and covering some 500m². The rock-cut chambers are of a diverse shapes and sizes and finished to different standards of workmanship. The complex is grouped in three levels – the upper level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC), and the lower level (3000-2400 BC). The deepest room in the lower level is 10.6 metres under road surface.

This unique monument is now enshrined in the UNESCO World Heritage list. To ensure its conservation, the site’s microclimate is strictly regulated: temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels are constantly monitored to ensure the Hypogeum’s survival for future generations.

To plan your sightseeing, we advise that you book ahead as tours are often full up to weeks in advance. For further information and booking availability, please contact the Hypogeum on: Tel: +356 21805019 / +356 21825579. Alternatively, chat with Westin's concierge for your instant booking or send an e-mail to info@heritagemalta.org

Mdina, the medieval capital and the capital city respectively are masterpieces of artistic architecture. The diverse combination of nationalities has also left its impact on the people, a brave and skilled population who have fought and overcome many battles and struggles for survival along the centuries such as the Great Siege and the Second World War. When it comes to culture, the Maltese Islanders live passionately in the present.  So there’s a lot going on with something to suit everyone from clubbers to classical music enthusiasts.

Wherever you’re based in Malta, cultural choice is close by.  Join in the revelry of a village festa one night and mellow out to sultry, summer jazz the next.

Book a play or concert at The Manoel in Valletta, a working theatre since the time of the Knights, and enjoy a sense of history and the performing arts at one go. Also in the capital is the Centre for Creativity, a modern concept in an ancient fortress, St James Cavalier.  Here, you’ll find exhibitions, theatre, cinema, cafés and much more.

There are regular events such as the pageantry of the In Guardia historical parades, and the Mdina and Valletta Festivals – three months of mainstream and fringe arts with local and international performers.