Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox event at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park is scheduled to take place on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of September. This unique event marks the beginning of autumn through a remarkable alignment, where the southern megalithic structure of Mnajdra aligns precisely with the rising sun. This highlights an advanced prehistoric understanding of celestial movements. This knowledge was particularly vital for agricultural societies, enabling them to track seasons effectively for planting and harvesting crops in the absence of formal calendars.

Visitors interested in witnessing this extraordinary alignment must gather at 6 am near the entrance to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Visitor Centre. Due to the nature of the event, participation is strictly limited to a maximum of 30 people per day, ensuring everyone has an optimal viewing experience. After observing the sunrise alignment at Mnajdra, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the nearby Ħaġar Qim site and the Visitor Centre, where refreshments will be provided.

Tickets for the event are priced at €35 for the general public and €25 for Heritage Malta members. Tickets can be purchased from our website or at any Heritage Malta site or museum. The event is open to visitors of all ages and will be conducted in a bilingual format (Maltese and English), ensuring inclusivity for all participants. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the visit.

You may also like the following events from Heritage Malta:

• This Saturday, 13th September, 06:00 pm, The Use of GIS in Maltese Archaeology – Public Lecture by Francesco Fontanelli in Rabat
• Next Saturday, 20th September, 08:30 am, Kordin III Megalithic Site – Visa Activity in Paola
• Next Saturday, 20th September, 07:00 pm, Museums By Candlelight Rabat & Mdina in Rabat