Ggantija Temples

Ggantija Temples is one of the main attractions on the island of Gozo. The site consists of two temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200B.C. Officially recognised by the UNESCO as the oldest freestanding archeological buildings in the world, the imposing Neolithic Ggantija Temples are 1,000 years older than Stonehenge or the Giza pyramids. The name “Ġgantija” derives from the word “Ġgant”, Maltese for giant, since Gozitans believed the temples were built by a race of giants. Thanks to an extensive preservation project, the temples are amongst the best preserved historical sites on the Maltese Islands.

The Ggantija Temples consist of two separate temples: the South temple and the North temple. The remains of a third temple were also found adjacent to the other two and archeologists think this was abandoned before completion. The temple faces the rising sun.

Each of the temples contains five, roughly circular, apses round a central axis with five apses connected by a central corridor leading to the innermost section. The larger temple contains a variety of altars and carvings, shrines and niches. This shows that the Ggantija Temples must have been used for religious ceremonies.

Hard-wearing coralline limestone is used extensively at Ġgantija and is one of the reasons behind the preservation of this national monument. The softer Globigerina limestone is used for inner furnishings including doorways, altars and decorative slabs. There is evidence of the internal walls having been plastered and painted over.

Remains of animal bone suggest that some form of ritual involving animal sacrifice must have taken place within this temple complex. The use of fire is evidenced by the presence of stone hearths. Liquid offerings must also have been poured through a number of libation holes present in the floor.

Entrance to Ggantija Temples is from a newly-constructed Interpretation Centre that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore various aspects related to life in the Neolithic.

The temple complex may be reached by driving towards Xagħra and following the signs or by catching a bus from Victoria.