Borg In-Nadur, Id-Dar ta’ Pultu & Ghar Dalam Cave

It’s time to explore the south a bit more. I’m sure you’re all very familiar with Pretty Bay located in the heart of Birzebbuga. How much have you actually explored this town and especially its surroundings? I have to admit, I’m not that familiar with this area so it was nice to explore and get to know this place a bit more.

This will be an easy round trek. We left our car at the public cars park just opposite Alfresco Pizzeria & Restaurant. The trek starts approximately 150m up the road. There is an information board marking the trail.

We will be walking though Wied Dalam. In ancient times, Wied Dalam used to form part of a river which ended up in Birzebuggia Harbour. Its name derives from Ghar Dalam cave which is found in the area and we will be visiting it as part of this trek too.

Our first stop will be at Ġnien il-Paċi. It’s a small private garden and also a place of worship, which is open to the public during certain times. If you’re in the area, take a moment to stop by, it’s a cute little place. The best time, however, is to visit in spring March/April as the garden will be blossoming.

This small altar is located within the garden in a ‘girda’ like stone structure, which is protected with iron bars.

After leaving Ġnien il-Paċi don’t miss out on these small statues located on the neighboring building.

Then follow the path which is clearly marked with orange metal sticks, which will lead to a high wooden cross. This cross was erected on a place where a local man claimed an apparitions of the Virgin Mary few years ago.

Then continue down to the Dar Ta’ Pultu Trail road, which will lead us to our next stop – Id-Dar ta’ Pultu. It’s a nice, pleasant walk with a nice views of the valley.

Don’t forget to look where you’re stepping as there are some lovely little creations living in the area. This cute chameleon was very friendly and was happy to pose for few pictures. Then we was put down safely on the side of the road.

We’re now approaching the ruins of Id-Dar ta’ Pultu. It’s easily accessible, but please be very careful when exploring the site.

As you can see, it’s in ruins and the entire structure is falling apart. Indeed, it is very interesting to explore, just proceed with caution.

We had fun exploring it, but it’s time to move to the next stop, which is Ta’ Kaċċatura.

The Roman country-house known as Ta’ Kaċċatura dates to the second century before Christ, although it could even date to the Punic period. Like other Roman villas, this country-house was used for the production of olive oil. It also includes a large cistern whose ceiling rests on large stone columns.

The cistern of the Roman villa of Ta’ Kaċċatura is possibly more than 2500 years old. It has a square plan with two well heads and at least one large setting trench.

This site is currently closed for your and the site’s safety. It’s under the care of Heritage Malta so if you wish to get more information or to arrange a visit please contact them on info@heritagemalta.org.

Now it’s time to visit the Ghar Dalam museum and cave. The price 6,50 eur which also includes the entry to Borg in-Nadur. I’ve visited this site several times already, but it never stops impressing me. The findings in the nearby cave are jaw-dropping.

If you would like to know more, you can read my blog, which is entirely dedicated to this museum.

This is the actual Ghar Dalam Cave were all the remains were found. This 145 meter-long, natural, water-worn cavern in the Lower Coraline Limestone is only party accessible because of the protection of a rare woodlouse that only lives in this cave and is sensitive to light.

Our last stop on this trekking adventure is an archeological site Borg in-Nadur. It was in use during both the late Temple Period (3,150 – 2,500 BC) and the Bronze Age (2,400 – 700 BC).

The site was excavated in the 1920s by eminent archaeologist Margaret Murray. The site of Borġ in-Nadur helped to understand of facets of Maltese prehistory which had until then remained problematic, such as the differences between the Temple Period and the Bronze Age.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and will plan a visit to this side of the Maltese islands soon. I’m marking the beginning of this trek so you know exactly where you can start this adventure from. 🙂