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Ġgantija Temples: Gozo's Megalithic Marvel

Explore Ġgantija Temples: a 5,500-year-old megalithic marvel on Gozo, predating the pyramids, offering a glimpse into Neolithic Malta.

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The Ġgantija Temples in Gozo are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the world's oldest free-standing structures, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, these megalithic temples offer a glimpse into Neolithic society.

A brief summary to It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and an outdoor pathway.
  • Visit during the off-season (September-May) for fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the Heritage Malta website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
  • Allow at least one hour for your visit to fully explore the temples and the Interpretation Centre.
  • Consider purchasing a multi-pass for access to other historical sites in Malta and Gozo.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta or other towns in Malta, take a bus to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal. Several bus routes serve this terminal. From Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, bus line 322 will take you to a stop near the Ġgantija Temples. Alternatively, bus 307 from Victoria also stops near the temples. A single bus ticket costs around €2.

  • Taxi

    From Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, a taxi to Ġgantija Temples costs approximately €10-12 and takes about 15 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the harbor. Ride-hailing services like Bolt are also an option.

  • Walking

    From the Xagħra town square, the Ġgantija Temples are a short, signposted walk uphill. The walk takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Follow Triq John Otto Bayer.

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Discover more about It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija

The Ġgantija Temples, located on the island of Gozo, are a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of Malta's prehistoric ancestors. Dating back to the Neolithic period (3600-3200 BCE), these temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating well-known sites like Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The name 'Ġgantija' comes from the Maltese word for 'giant,' reflecting the local belief that giants built the temples due to the immense size of the megaliths. The Ġgantija complex consists of two temples enclosed by a massive boundary wall. The southern temple is the older and better preserved, featuring five large apses. Inside, researchers have found evidence of altars, animal bones suggesting sacrifices, and hearths indicating the use of fire. The builders used both hard-wearing coralline limestone for the outer walls and softer globigerina limestone for inner furnishings. Fragments of red ochre plaster suggest that the interior walls were once plastered and painted. Archaeological discoveries, including figurines and statues, suggest that the temples were centers for ritualistic practices and communal gatherings, possibly dedicated to a mother goddess symbolizing fertility and life. The temples are oriented to the southeast, a common direction for Maltese temples, potentially for maximizing sunlight and warmth or for astronomical alignments. Today, visitors can explore the Interpretation Centre to learn about Neolithic life and view significant artifacts found at the site. Lightweight walkways protect the temple floors, ensuring the preservation of this remarkable site for future generations.

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