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Il-Maqluba Sinkhole

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Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)

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Il-Maqluba is a remarkable natural sinkhole located on the outskirts of the village of Qrendi in southern Malta. This geological phenomenon was formed on November 23, 1343, during a severe storm when the limestone ceiling above a large underground cavern collapsed. Its name in Maltese translates to 'the overturned' or 'the upside-down one'. The sinkhole measures approximately 50 meters in diameter and reaches a depth of about 15 meters. A popular local legend surrounds its origin, claiming that a sinful village was swallowed by the earth as divine punishment, leaving only a small chapel and a devout widow untouched. Today, the interior of the sinkhole is a protected nature reserve featuring dense Mediterranean vegetation, including the rare Maltese national tree (Gharghar) and bay laurels. The site provides valuable insight into the island's karst topography and serves as a unique sanctuary for local biodiversity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
This fascinating geological sinkhole can be viewed freely from its upper rim at any time, though entering the fragile wooded micro-habitat at the very bottom is generally restricted to preserve its unique ecosystem.
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Typical hours
The viewpoint overlooking the dramatic collapse is accessible continuously throughout the year, making it an excellent stop during daylight hours when the rich greenery and depth are most visible.
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Photography
The sheer vertical walls and the sudden patch of dense forest make for striking photographs, especially when capturing the contrast between the surrounding arid Maltese landscape and the deep green sinkhole.
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Time needed
Viewing the site and walking along the accessible parts of the perimeter usually takes about twenty to thirty minutes, providing a brief but highly memorable immersion into Malta's dramatic geological history.
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Combine with
This natural wonder is situated very close to several historical sites and temple complexes in Malta, making it a good supplementary geological stop during a tour of the island's rural and southern areas.
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Getting there
It is located near a quiet local village, easily reachable by car or local bus, with a short, clearly marked walking path leading directly from the small nearby streets to the viewpoint.
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Insider tip
Look out for small historical structures sometimes found near the edges of such formations; local folklore often attributes the sudden collapse of these dramatic sinkholes to ancient mythical events.

Geography

Coordinates
35.83000, 14.45900

Facts

  • The sinkhole's formation is historically dated to November 23, 1343.
  • It has a diameter of roughly 50 meters and a depth of about 15 meters.
  • The name 'Il-Maqluba' means 'the overturned' in the Maltese language.
  • St. Matthew's Chapel is located right on the edge of the sinkhole.
  • The bottom contains a dense grove of the Maltese national tree (Gharghar).
  • It is a designated Natura 2000 site due to its unique ecological value.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

QrendiQrendi<1 km · EExplore →
Ħaġar QimĦaġar Qim2 km · WExplore →
Vincenti TowerVincenti Tower2 km · NExplore →
Safi Parish ChurchSafi Parish Church2 km · EExplore →
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)2 km · NWExplore →
Ghar LapsiGhar Lapsi3 km · WExplore →
Malta International AirportMalta International Airport3 km · NEExplore →
Bir Miftuħ ChapelBir Miftuħ Chapel4 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (10)

Il Maqluba

Viewpoint over a large sinkhole, a natural depression, near Qrendi, Malta.

Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena

Church building in Qrendi, Malta, dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy.

Knisja Parrokkjali Marija Assunta

Church building in Qrendi, Malta, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Taħt il-Ħnejja

Viewpoint below the Il-Ħnejja rock arch, offering views of the sea and coastline.

Blue Grotto

Sea caverns in Malta, famous for their turquoise water and boat trips.

Il-Ħnejja

Natural cave in Malta, located on the coast near the Blue Grotto.

Blue Grotto Trips

Boat trips depart from here to the famous Blue Grotto sea caves on Malta's southern coast.

Ħaġar Qim🏛 museum

Museum displaying artifacts and information about the nearby prehistoric temples.

Parish Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

Monument Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Monument in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, erected in the area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Il-Maqluba?
A huge natural sinkhole located near the village of Qrendi.
What does the legend say about the hole?
Legend says a sinful village was swallowed by the earth, leaving only a chapel on the edge.
How deep is the sinkhole?
It is about 15 meters deep and has an area of around 6,000 square meters.
Is it allowed to go down into the hole?
No, entry is prohibited for safety reasons; it can only be viewed from the top.
Is there a chapel there?
Yes, St. Matthew's chapel stands right on the edge of the sinkhole.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole: where is it located?
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole is located in Malta.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole: what is there to see?
Highlights include Il Maqluba, Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena, Knisja Parrokkjali Marija Assunta.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole: why is it worth visiting?
Il-Maqluba is a remarkable natural sinkhole located on the outskirts of the village of Qrendi in southern Malta.
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Għar Lapsi Cove — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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Blue Grotto — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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Għar Ħasan Cave — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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A large sea cave on the cliffs near Birzebbuga with a legend about a Saracen pirate.
Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.

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Three Cities Ferry Service — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Il-Maqluba — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
Il-Maqluba
A large sinkhole that has created a unique micro-habitat with a variety of trees and plants.
Potato Farms in Qrendi — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
Potato Farms in Qrendi
The region around Qrendi is a major producer of potatoes in Malta, which are also exported.
Ta&#39; Kole Donkey Sanctuary — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary
A sanctuary that cares for abandoned and mistreated donkeys.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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A small harbour from where boats depart to the famous Blue Grotto.
Limestone Heritage Park &amp; Gardens — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
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An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.
Malta Falconry Centre — Il-Maqluba Sinkhole (Malta)
Malta Falconry Centre
A center dedicated to the conservation and breeding of birds of prey.