:: A.A.S. R.A. Picture Gallery - View Picture Hypogeum Description: The Hypogeum in Hal-Saflieni, Paola, Malta, is an subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C. Thought to be originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. The Hypogeum was depicted on a 2 cents 5 mils stamp issued in the Maltese Islands in 1980 to commemorate the acceptance by UNESCO of this unique structure in the World Heritage site list. It was discovered by accident in 1902 when workers cutting cisterns for a new housing development broke through its roof. City: Paola Country: Malta Photographer: Tatjana Ingold Date: 10/2000 uploaded by Tatjana Ingold [back]