Buġibba Temple: A Glimpse into Malta's Neolithic Past

The Buġibba Temple, or *Tempju ta' Buġibba* in Maltese, is a significant archaeological site situated on the border of Buġibba and Qawra, within St. Paul's Bay. This megalithic temple dates back to the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory (around 3150 to 2500 BC).Discovered in the 1920s by Maltese archaeologist Themistocles Zammit, the temple's remains offer a glimpse into the religious and architectural practices of Neolithic Malta. The temple is constructed from coralline limestone and features a trilithon entrance leading to a central area with three apses. Part of the original floor has also survived. Two decorated stone blocks, one a carved altar and the other with carved fish, were found during excavations and are now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.While much of the structure has been lost to time and agricultural activities, the Buġibba Temple remains an important historical landmark. Today, the Dolmen Resort Hotel surrounds the temple, incorporating it into its grounds near the swimming pools. Despite its urban setting, the temple provides valuable insights into Malta's ancient past.