Apiaries of Mellieħa - Malta
A detailed, visitor-friendly guide .
What they are
Rock-cut beekeeping “banks”: façades carved into soft limestone with rows of narrow slots. Behind each slot sat a terracotta jar (ġarra) used as an artificial hive; the small outer hole was the bee entrance, the larger inner mouth opened to a service corridor so keepers could extract comb and honey. This setup is typical of Punic–Roman era apiaries in northern Malta.
Why here
The north of Malta is rich in wild thyme (sagħtar) which gives Maltese honey its famed character; the very toponyms Imġiebaħ (“apiaries”) and Wied il-Għasel (“Valley of Honey”) reflect how important apiculture was locally. Roman-era Malta (Melita) was noted for honey and beekeeping.
Dating & context
Surviving apiaries in the area are commonly described as Punic–Roman (c. 3rd c. BCE – 3rd c. CE). While precise archaeological digs are sparse, the layout and ceramic hive technology match Roman practice documented elsewhere in the central Mediterranean. Nearby Xemxija apiaries of the same type have been reported and publicised since at least the early 2000s, helping scholars recognise the Mellieħa examples.
Where to find them (near the Red Tower)
Reference point: St Agatha’s (Red) Tower sits on Marfa Ridge at 35.974667° N, 14.342972° E. From the tower, the ancient apiaries are found east–southeast along the ridge and into Imġiebaħ / Qammieħ valley slopes, cut into south-facing limestone outcrops above Imġiebaħ Bay. Expect multiple small clusters rather than one single “site.”
A commonly shared locator for one cluster in the valley is the Plus Code “X96G+HVJ, Mellieħa”, which places you on the tracks above Imġiebaħ; from there short footpaths lead to the rock-cut façades. (These are un-signposted and on rough ground.)
For geographic bearings on Imġiebaħ itself (the topographic unit named for apiaries): 35.97220° N, 14.33451° E.
How they worked (in brief)
1. Bees entered through the narrow slot;
2. They occupied an earthenware jar recessed behind the slot;
3. Keepers accessed jars from an interior passage, temporarily sealing jars with tiles, then removing comb/honey;
4. Rows of slots maximised hive density while keeping colonies warm and sheltered in the rock.
Visiting tips & care
Terrain is uneven and can be overgrown; sturdy shoes are essential. These remains are unprotected masonry and archaeological features—please don’t insert objects into the slots or remove stones. In spring/summer, you may encounter active bees; keep respectful distance. Parts of the area cross private/agricultural land—stick to established paths.
