Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum

About

Għar Dalam Museum, situated in the historic town of Birżebbuġa on Malta’s eastern coast, is a living laboratory of the island’s prehistoric past. The museum’s main attraction is the majestic cave itself – a 144‑metre limestone tube that opens onto a 50‑metre accessible gallery where visitors can walk among the well‑preserved fossilised bones of Ice Age megafauna. These include dwarf elephants, hippopotami, giant swans and ancient deer, all arranged thematically to illustrate Malta’s transition from a volcanic island to a refuge for diverse wildlife. An exquisite display of terracotta pottery and early human artefacts confirms that the cave was a hub of activity as far back as 7,400 years ago, making it Malta’s oldest prehistoric site. Each strand of bone is supplemented by contextual information in the halls, showing how the island’s flora and fauna adapted over millennia. Beyond the natural caves, the site features a beautifully landscaped garden of native plants and a dedicated viewing point for the endangered cave woodlouse and Lesser Horse‑shoe Bat, reinforcing the collection’s ecological significance. The museum offers guided tours, audio guides in multiple languages, and free entry for infants, Heritage Malta members and passport holders. A visit to Għar Dalam not only provides a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s deep natural history but also invites contemplation of the fragile ecosystems that were once thriving in this ancient landscape.

Highlights

• Hippopotamus Layer
• Dwarf Elephant Skeletons
• Cultural Layer

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

Pros & Cons

What people are saying

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes

Tickets & pricing