Ancient Neolithic sites that will give you goosebumps

Attractions

Discover Malta and Gozo’s oldest man-made structures.

Sarah Micallef

Ggantija Temples

Considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo date back to between 3600 and 3200 BC, predating Egypt’s renowned Pyramids. Local lore dictates that due to their immense size, these temples were built by giants!

Where to find it: John Otto Bayer Street, Xaghra, Gozo

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Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum

The UNESCO World Heritage Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum – the only underground temple and burial place of its kind in the world – is made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three levels. The earliest remains at the site date back to about 4,000 BC.

Where to find it: Burial Street, Paola, Malta

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Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Neolithic Temples comprise four megalithic temples constructed between 3,600 and 2,500 BC. Figures of the fertility goddess discovered in the ruins indicate that the temples were dedicated to the Earth Mother.

Where to find it: Neolithic Temples Street, Tarxien, Malta

Aaron Briffa - viewingmalta.com

Hagar Qim

The temple of Hagar Qim, located on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla, pre-dates Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids in Egypt. Along the external wall, you’ll see some of the largest megaliths used in the building of these structures – one is 5.2m high, and is estimated to weigh close to 20 tonnes!

Where to find it: Hagar Qim Street, Qrendi, Malta

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Mnajdra Temples

Neighbouring Mnajdra is one of the most intact of the prehistoric temples in the Mediterranean. It consists of three buildings facing a common oval forecourt, with the oldest dating back to the Ggantija phase (3600 – 3200 BC). The South Temple is particularly popular among visitors during the spring and autumn equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices, as it is aligned to mark the position of sunrise on the first day of each season – a truly spectacular sight.

Where to find it: Hagar Qim Street, Qrendi, Malta

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Ghar Dalam

The Maltese Islands’ history can be decoded at Ghar Dalam Cave on the outskirts of Birzebbugia, where within the lowermost layers, which are more than 500,000 years old, fossilised bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, micro-mammals and birds were found. The top layer, also known as the cultural layer, holds the first evidence of humans on the island – some 7,400 years ago.

Where to find it: Ghar Dalam Road, Birzebbugia, Malta

Aaron Briffa - viewingmalta.com

Ta' Hagrat Temples

Located in the rural village of Mgarr, Ta’ Hagrat is home to two well-preserved structures. The larger of the two dates from the earliest phases of megalithic construction – the Ġgantija phase (3600 – 3200 BC), while the dating for the smaller is uncertain, though it is thought to date to the Saflieni phase (3,300 – 3,000 BC).

Where to find it: St Peter Street, Mgarr, Malta

Aaron Briffa - viewingmalta.com

Skorba Temples

Over in the hamlet of Zebbiegh on the outskirts of Mġarr, the neighbouring Skorba Temples overlook the nearby valley, making for a spectacular view of the landscape. This site comprises the remains of two megalithic temple structures, one of them dating back to the Ġgantija Phase, and the other to the later Tarxien Phase.

Where to find it: St Anne Square, Zebbiegh

Aaron Briffa - viewingmalta.com

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