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Hypogeum Tours
Hypogeum Tours
Hypogeum tours are a must for all avid travellers. It is a rare site
to see, not to mention how only a few can get the chance to
experience it at one time.
The Hypogeum is a grand subterranean structure which was excavated
around 2500 BC. "Hypogeum" is a Greek word which comes from words
"hypo" (under) and "Gaia" (earth), and literally means so. According
to what can be seen today, it is referred to as an underground
pre-Christian era tomb or temple. It is thought to have originally
been a sanctuary, and eventually became a necropolis.
The Hypogeum is located in a town on the island of Malta, called
Paola. Also referred to as the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, it is probably
the most impressive and the best site to see in Malta. This is named
as a World Heritage Site with its archaeological structures.
Preservation of the site is ongoing, so Hypogeum tours are
relatively difficult to book.
A few years back, Hypogeum tours were stopped and the site was
closed for a number of years. The carbon dioxide breathed out by the
huge number of visitors it has years before did some serious damage
to the walls of the site. Although it is now open again to welcome
tourists, it is still being controlled and closely monitored to
ensure its preservation. Taking photographs while underground is
prohibited.
The wide underground site is made up of passageways, hallways and
rooms that cover about 500 square meters, which are cut into the
rock. Through Hypogeum tours, it is easy to see how there are 3
different levels in the necropolis as far as the digging and
craftsmanship is concerned. The upper level, the oldest dating back
3600-3300BC, consists of a passageway and a central hall containing
chambers cut on the sides. The middle level dates back 3300-3000BC
and you will see burial chambers with carved facades. The lower
level is the newest and dates back 3000-2400BC, is empty and can be
explained by the fact that the temple age just ended.
Hypogeum tours are difficult to book mainly because there are only
80 people who are allowed to experience the underground structures
in one day. This number gets booked up fast and early. Do not just
show up there and expect Hypogeum tours to be right at your
doorstep. You will need a few weeks to even months, depending on the
season.
Hypogeum tours begin with a film and a brief exhibition with an
introduction of the necrological site. You will know how the
structures below are related to the structures above the ground.
This will be a good chance for you not only to find out more about
this exciting place, but to cool yourself up before you begin to
enter the underground temples.
There is a distinct sacred and surreal feeling that leaves a mark on
almost all travellers going on Hypogeum tours. It is indeed one of
the most magnificent ancient monuments ever to exist. Try to book
your tour early on to make sure you get the slot.
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