Town

Tarxien

The town of Ħal Tarxien, located in Malta's southeastern region, traces its name to the word Tirix, meaning “large stone”, a nod to the area's ancient heritage. This connection is epitomised by the nearby Tarxien Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to around 3150 BC, renowned for their intricate carvings and architectural significance.

The town's motto, Tyrii Genure Coloni (Latin for "Founded by Tyrian colonists") reflects Tarxien's deep-rooted historical ties to the Phoenicians, ancient seafarers from Tyre who settled in Malta around 700 BCE. These skilled traders and navigators established Malta as a strategic outpost in their expansive Mediterranean network, leaving a lasting cultural imprint that endures to this day.