Paola - Hypogaeum of Hal Saflieni

Paola's principal attraction is the Hypogaeum of Hal Saflieni, a Neolithic cult site of a type unique in the world which was discovered during the construction of a cistern in 1902. The sanctuary, entered through a modern doorway of dressed limestone, consists of a complex of catacombs hewn from the native rock with stone tools over a period of many centuries to a depth of 30ft/9m below the ground a system of chambers, passages and stairways on three levels dated by the experts to at least 5,000 years ago, and on the basis of the latest studies to as much as 7,000 years ago. In this underground labyrinth the early inhabitants of Malta performed religious rituals and consulted oracles. The catacombs were also used for burial, as the remains of some 6,000-7,000 people found here have shown. In the National Museum of Archeology can be seen unique clay figures from the Hypogaeum, together with stone figures of birds and - most notable of all - a female figure (probably a priestess) lying on a couch.

The Hypogeum is closed pending the completion of major works but a scale model of the site can be seen at the National Museum.