Sitting inconspicuously on the limestone plateau in the village of Qrendi, just a short walk from the iconic Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, lies a lesser-known yet fascinating site known as Il-Misqa, meaning ‘the watering place’. This intriguing area is home to a series of deep, rock-cut reservoirs that may very well date back to Neolithic times.
Their strategic placement – only about 250 metres from Mnajdra and 600 metres from Ħaġar Qim – has led many to speculate that they were carved out and used by the very same people who built Malta’s ancient temples. While no organic material has been found to definitively date the tanks, their proximity to these UNESCO World Heritage Sites hints at a connection to the temple builders themselves.
Water has always been a precious resource on the Maltese Islands, and these tanks were likely designed to collect and store rainwater for everyday use – possibly even to hydrate workers at the temple sites. Cleverly carved directly into the bedrock, the reservoirs are easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully. On rainy days, when they’re full, they appear as little more than shallow puddles. But look a bit closer and you’ll realise they’re surprisingly deep, so watch your step!
Despite the centuries that have passed, these ancient tanks are still functional. If you happen to visit after a period of rain, you’ll find them brimming with water, silently demonstrating the resourcefulness of Malta’s early inhabitants.
Have you ever noticed them while exploring the area?