Ġgantija, Archaeological site in Xagħra, Malta.
The Ġgantija temple complex features two main structures built with massive limestone blocks, connected through a central passage and enclosed by a perimeter wall.
Dating back to 3600 BC, these megalithic temples predate the Egyptian pyramids and represent one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in human history.
The temples contain evidence of animal sacrifices and fertility rituals, with excavations revealing numerous carved figures and ceremonial objects used in religious practices.
The site includes an interpretation center with multimedia presentations, artifact displays, and educational materials explaining the construction techniques and temple functions.
The massive stones used in construction reach heights of up to six meters and weigh several tons, yet fit together precisely without mortar usage.
Location: Xagħra
Inception: 3600 BCE
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: limestone
Part of: Megalithic Temples of Malta
Address: Triq l-Imqades XRA 1012
GPS coordinates: 36.04727,14.26910
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:31
These archaeological sites document the development of human civilizations across thousands of years. They range from the earliest known temple structures like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, dated to around 9500 BCE, to the preserved remains of Pompeii, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption in 79 CE. Each location offers insights into the technical abilities, religious beliefs, and social structures of past cultures.
Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre. The city displays baroque architecture and military installations from the Knights of Malta period. The Neolithic temple complexes rank among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra near Qrendi date from around 3600 to 3200 BC, while the Ġgantija temples on Gozo are even older. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an underground necropolis with multiple chambers. The Tarxien temples show decorated stone blocks and reliefs. The coastline offers different formations: the Dingli Cliffs reach 830 feet (253 meters) in height, while the Blue Grotto near Qrendi features sea caves with turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon on Comino has shallow, clear water. Golden Bay near Mellieħa is a sandy beach. Fort Rinella in Kalkara preserves an 1884 Armstrong gun. The medieval town of Mdina and the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo display fortress architecture from different periods.
Major temples worldwide display architectural and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations. From temples in Cambodia to pyramids in Mexico, these structures document religious practices, construction methods and social structures of their time. The complexes in Asia, Europe and America present different building styles, ornaments and ceremonial spaces.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
214 m
Xagħra Stone Circle
390 m
Rotunda of Xewkija
1.9 km
Muzeum Ġgantija
223 m
Calypso’s Cave
1.9 km
Gourgion Tower
2 km
Santa Verna
958 m
Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Xagħra
499 m
Ta' Kenuna Tower
1.9 km
Ta' Kola Windmill
380 m
Santa Cecilia Tower
2.1 km
Tat-Tmien Kantunieri Windmill
1.5 km
Ramla Left Battery
2 km
Għejzu Cave
280 m
Jaskinia Ninu
597 m
Church of St. Anthony the Abbot
665 m
Church of St. Martha, Victoria, Gozo
2.1 km
Ta' Kola Windmill
380 m
Xagħra Stone Circle headless seated figurine with hands on thighs
405 m
Statue of Christ embracing Cross and relief of the Madonna of Sorrows
2.1 km
Abandoned complex
1.8 km
Headless seated figurine crossed hands
405 m
Seated figurine, with incised lines for hands on stomach
405 m
Twin-seated figurine
405 m
Red terracotta headless seated figurine, hands on thighs
405 m
Xagħra Stone Circle seated figurine with hands on stomach
405 m
Seated figurine looking up with left hand on thigh
405 m
Seated figurine leaning forward with hands on stomach
405 mReviews
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