Mnajdra, Neolithic temple complex in Qrendi, Malta
Mnajdra is a temple complex comprising three separate limestone structures positioned about 84 meters above the Mediterranean on Malta's southern coast. The buildings are constructed from massive stone blocks fitted together without mortar, creating multiple chambers and narrow passageways.
The complex was built between 3600 and 3200 BC, making it one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world. The civilization that constructed it later disappeared without leaving written records, yet their stone buildings endured through millennia.
The temples served as gathering spaces where ancient people celebrated together and conducted rituals tied to their beliefs about the sun and seasons. You can see traces of their daily activities in the carved stones and worn pathways throughout the complex.
Access to the site is through a visitor center that provides background information about the archaeological remains. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best, as the midday sun can be intense on this exposed coastal location.
The southern temple features a remarkable design where sunlight directly illuminates decorated stones during the spring and autumn equinoxes through precisely aligned entrances and corridors. This effect was intentional, showing that the ancient builders understood astronomy well enough to orchestrate it.
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