Where are the megalithic temples of Malta?

Seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual development. The two temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures.

How many megalithic temples are there?

Over the centuries, archaeologists have discovered at least twenty megalithic temples on Malta and Gozo. Unfortunately many are not open to visitors, but the six that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site are.

Are there ancient ruins in Malta?

There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric man, which defy explanation, such as the mysterious ‘cart tracks’. For three millennia, from around 5200 B.C., the archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilisation.

What are the famous ruins of Malta called?

The Megalithic Temples of Malta (Maltese: It-Tempji Megalitiċi ta’ Malta) are several prehistoric temples, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built during three distinct periods approximately between 3600 BC and 2500 BC on the island country of Malta.

Are there Roman ruins in Malta?

The remains of a wealthy Roman household, the ruins of Domvs Romana were accidentally discovered in 1881. Although very little still stands of the original house, some of its incredible mosaic floors are still intact.

Were there giants in Malta?

The Tarxien temples owe their name to the place where they were found (from “Tirix”, a “large stone”), as did the excavations at Skorba. According to later Maltese folklore, giants are said to have built the temples, which led to the name Ġgantija: ‘Giant Tower’.

Why were the Megalithic Temples of Malta built?

The most likely theory, is that Hagar Qim in Malta was used for fertility rituals, as the discovery of several female figurines lends weight to this idea. As the builders of these temples did not leave any written records, we will never know for sure.

What is the oldest building in Malta?

the Ggantija Temples
In fact, the Megalithic Temples of Malta date back to 3600-2500 B.C., with the Ggantija Temples in Gozo being classified as the oldest structure in the world, dating back to around 3600-3200 B.C. There are several pre-historic temples scattered around the Maltese islands, seven of which are listed as UNESCO World …

Where are the megalithic sites in Malta?

The above are only a fraction of the Megalithic heritage of the Maltese islands. There are many more sites that are either too small or not yet open to the public such as the Tas-Silġ complex and Kordin temples in Malta and Ta’ Marżiena, Borġ l-Imramma, Xagħra Stone Circle and Santa Verna temple in Gozo.

Are there any temples in Malta that are world heritage listed?

The Ġgantija temples (two sites) were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. In 1992, the UNESCO Committee further extended the existing listing to include five other megalithic temple sites. These are Ħaġar Qim (in Qrendi), Mnajdra (in Qrendi), Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples (in Mġarr), Skorba Temples (in Żebbiegħ) and Tarxien Temples (in Tarxien).

How big is Malta’s megalithic temple?

167 ha (0.64 sq mi) The Megalithic Temples of Malta (Maltese: It-Tempji Megalitiċi ta’ Malta) are several prehistoric temples, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built during three distinct periods approximately between 3600 BC and 700 BC on the island country of Malta.

Are there any temples in Malta or Gozo that are not open?

There are many more sites that are either too small or not yet open to the public such as the Tas-Silġ complex and Kordin temples in Malta and Ta’ Marżiena, Borġ l-Imramma, Xagħra Stone Circle and Santa Verna temple in Gozo. Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?