Santa Verna

Santa Verna is a prehistoric archaeological site in Xagħra, Gozo, featuring large stone structures built from megaliths. Three upright stones stand with three horizontal blocks arranged along their eastern side, forming the main structural elements.

Excavations beginning in 1908 revealed a settlement from around 5000 BC during the early Għar Dalam phase of Maltese prehistory. Later research in 2015 uncovered evidence of a five-apsed temple structure from a subsequent period, linking this site to other major temple complexes.

The remains found here show how early Mediterranean communities lived and what they ate. Animal bones mixed with seeds of wheat, barley, and legumes tell the story of people who farmed and raised livestock.

The site is open regularly and displays informational panels throughout to explain the different structures. Plan your visit during cooler hours since the standing stones provide minimal shade in this exposed location.

The arrangement of horizontal blocks along the eastern side creates an unusual layout compared to other megalithic sites in the region. This distinctive configuration shows how builders adapted their techniques to specific locations and purposes.