Megalithic Temples of Malta: A Complete Guide

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 17 minutes
By: Shaun

Malta might be famous for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, but did you know that the Maltese islands are also home to some of the oldest and most impressive megalithic structures in the world?

The megalithic temples of Malta are a group of prehistoric monuments that date back to the 4th millennium BC. They are among the earliest examples of free-standing stone architecture in human history, and they reflect a remarkable level of sophistication and creativity.

In this article, we will explore these fascinating temples and learn more about their origins, significance, and features. We will also give you some practical tips on how to visit them and make the most of your experience.

Introduction

What are the megalithic temples of Malta?

Ħaġar Qim | Image by John Haslam on Flickr

The megalithic temples of Malta are a series of stone structures that were built by a mysterious civilization that inhabited the Maltese islands between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. These temples are not only remarkable for their age but also for their size, design, and decoration.

The temples are made of large blocks of limestone or coralline rock that were cut, shaped, and transported by hand. Some of these blocks weigh several tonnes and measure several metres in length. The temples have a distinctive layout that consists of a central corridor flanked by semi-circular chambers, or apses. The walls are often decorated with carvings, reliefs, or paintings depicting animals, plants, spirals, or geometric patterns.

The temples are also surrounded by walls, courtyards, altars, statues, and other features that suggest they were used for religious or ceremonial purposes. Some of the temples have evidence of fireplaces, hearths, or ovens that indicate they were also used for domestic activities.

Why are they important and unique?

The megalithic temples of Malta are important and unique for several reasons. First of all, they are among the oldest surviving monuments in the world. They predate the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Stonehenge in England, or the Parthenon in Greece by centuries or even millennia.

Secondly, they are a testimony to the remarkable achievements of a prehistoric culture that left no written records. The temple builders had no metal tools, no wheel, no draft animals, and no sophisticated mathematics or engineering. Yet they managed to create complex structures that demonstrate a high level of planning, organization, skill, and artistry.

Thirdly, they are a reflection of the beliefs, values, and worldview of a people who lived in harmony with nature and their environment. The temples show a deep respect for the natural elements, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, and the sea. They also show an appreciation for life in all its forms, from humans to animals to plants.

Finally, they are a source of wonder and inspiration for anyone who visits them. They evoke a sense of awe and curiosity about the past and the present. They challenge us to question our assumptions and expand our horizons. They invite us to explore and discover the secrets and mysteries of our ancestors and ourselves.

How to visit them?

Ta Hagrat | Image by Ethan Doyle White on Wikimedia Commons

The megalithic temples are scattered across the islands of Malta and Gozo. There are seven main temple sites that are open to the public and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are:

Ġgantija Temples on the island of Gozo
Tarxien Temples in the town of Tarxien in Malta
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples on the western coast of Malta
Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples in Mġarr Malta

To visit these temples, you will need to buy a ticket that grants you access to one or more sites. You can buy the tickets online or at the entrance of each site. The prices vary depending on the number of sites you want to visit and whether you want a guided tour or not.

This post will provide the most updated information about the ticket prices and opening hours, but it is best to confirm the info on the official website of Heritage Malta, the agency that manages the temples.

You can also visit the temples by joining a guided tour that includes transportation, entrance fees, and commentary. There are many tour operators that offer different options and packages for visiting the temples. You can find them online or through your hotel or travel agency.

The best time to visit the temples is in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not too strong and the crowds are not too large. You should also avoid visiting the temples on public holidays or weekends, when they tend to be more busy and noisy.

You should also wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water when visiting the temples, as they are exposed to the sun and have uneven terrain. You should also respect the rules and regulations of each site, such as not touching the stones, not climbing on the walls, not littering, and not making loud noises.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta: A Brief History

Ġgantija | Image by BoneA on Wikimedia Commons

The origins and development of the temple culture

The megalithic temples of Malta are the product of a long and complex process of cultural evolution that spans several millennia. The first human settlers arrived in Malta around 5200 BC from Sicily or North Africa. They were farmers and herders who lived in simple huts and caves. They left behind pottery, tools, and figurines that show their skills and creativity.

Around 4100 BC, a new wave of immigrants arrived in Malta from Sicily. They brought with them new technologies, such as polished stone axes, pottery wheels, and ploughs. They also introduced new crops, such as wheat, barley, lentils, and peas. They settled in villages and began to construct megalithic structures for communal purposes.

Around 3600 BC, the temple culture emerged as a distinct phase of Maltese prehistory. The temple builders developed a unique style of architecture that combined massive stones with intricate carvings and decorations. They also developed a complex religious system that involved rituals, offerings, sacrifices, and festivals. They built temples in various locations across the islands, often near natural features such as caves, springs, or hills.

The temple culture reached its peak between 3000 BC and 2500 BC, when the most impressive and elaborate temples were built. These include Ġgantija, Tarxien, Ħaġar Qim, and Mnajdra. The temples were used for various functions, such as worshipping deities, celebrating seasons, marking astronomical events, burying the dead, or performing rites of passage.

The decline and disappearance of the temple builders

Around 2500 BC, the temple culture began to decline and eventually disappeared. The reasons for this are not clear, but there are several theories that have been proposed by scholars. Some of these theories are:

Environmental degradation: The temple builders may have exhausted the natural resources of the islands due to overpopulation, deforestation, soil erosion, or climate change. This may have led to famine, disease, or social unrest.
External invasion: The temple builders may have been attacked by foreign invaders who came from Sicily or North Africa. These invaders may have destroyed or looted the temples and killed or enslaved the inhabitants.
Internal conflict: The temple builders may have been divided by internal strife or civil war due to political, economic, or religious reasons. This may have weakened their cohesion and undermined their culture.
Cultural assimilation: The temple builders may have gradually assimilated into other cultures that arrived in Malta after 2500 BC. These cultures may have brought new ideas, beliefs, or practices that replaced or blended with those of the temple builders.

Whatever the cause of their disappearance was, the temple builders left behind a legacy that is still visible today in their magnificent monuments. They also left behind many mysteries that remain unsolved by modern research.

The rediscovery and restoration of the temples

Remains at Ħaġar Qim | Image by Tony Hisgett on Flickr

The decline and disappearance of the temple builders

Around 2500 BC, the temple culture began to decline and eventually disappeared. The reasons for this decline are not clear,but the most accepted theories include:

Environmental degradation: The temple builders may have exhausted the natural resources of the islands due to overpopulation, deforestation, soil erosion, or climate change. This may have led to famine, disease, or social unrest.
External invasion: The temple builders may have been attacked by foreign invaders who came from Sicily or North Africa. These invaders may have destroyed or looted the temples and killed or enslaved the inhabitants.
Internal conflict: The temple builders may have been divided by internal strife or civil war due to political, economic, or religious reasons. This may have weakened their cohesion and undermined their culture.
Cultural assimilation: The temple builders may have gradually assimilated into other cultures that arrived in Malta after 2500 BC. These cultures may have brought new ideas, beliefs, or practises that replaced or blended with those of the temple builders.

The rediscovery and restoration of the temples

The megalithic temples of Malta were mostly forgotten by the generations that inhabited the islands after their decline. The templae eventually got covered by soil or vegetation or used as quarries or shelters by different peoples and cultures. Parts, if not entire temples, are believed to have been damaged or destroyed by either natural disasters or some human action.

The first recorded mention of the temples dates back to the 16th century, when a Maltese historian named Gian Francesco Abela wrote about them in his book Descrittione di Malta. He described them as “ruins of ancient buildings” that were “built by giants”. He also speculated that they were related to the biblical story of Noah and his descendants.

In the 19th century, the first scientific investigation of the temples was conducted by a British antiquarian named Thomas Ashby. He surveyed and mapped several temple sites and published his findings in a series of articles and books. He also collected and studied some of the artefacts and sculptures that were found in the temples.

The most extensive and systematic research on the temples was carried out in the 20th century by a team of Maltese and foreign archaeologists, led by Sir Temi Zammit and David Trump. They excavated and restored many of the temple sites and established their chronology and typology. They also interpreted their function and meaning based on their architecture, decoration, and context.

The megalithic temples of Malta are now protected by law and managed by Heritage Malta. They have also been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1980, and today they are visited by thousands of tourists and locals every year who admire their beauty and marvel at their mystery.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta: A Detailed Guide

In this section, we will give you a detailed guide to each of the seven main temple sites that are open to the public. We will describe their location, features, significance, and legends.

All sites listed below are open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for Good Friday, December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1st.

Ġgantija Temples

Ġgantija | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons

Location and features

The Ġgantija Temples are located on the island of Gozo, near the village of Xagħra. They are the oldest and largest of the Maltese temples, dating back to around 3600 BC. They consist of two adjacent temples that share a common wall and a forecourt.

The name Ġgantija means “giantess” in Maltese and refers to a legend that says the temples were built by a giant woman who ate nothing but broad beans and honey. The legend reflects the impressive size and weight of the stones that make up the temples.

The stones are arranged in the shape of a cloverleaf, with five apses radiating from a central corridor. The walls are up to six metres high and four metres thick. The entrance is marked by a monumental doorway that leads to a paved courtyard, while the interior is decorated with carvings of animals such as bulls, goats, pigs, and snakes.

The temples also have several features that imply that they were used for ritual purposes, such as altars, libation holes, fireplaces, and niches. Some of these features are aligned with the solstices or equinoxes, indicating astronomical knowledge and significance.

Significance and legends

The Ġgantija Temples are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, as they represent one of the earliest expressions of human civilization and religion. They are also a testimony to the skill and ingenuity of their builders, who managed to create such monumental structures without metal tools or wheels.

The legend of the giant woman mentioned earlier is not the only one associated with the temples. Another legend says that they were built by a race of giants who lived on Gozo before the arrival of humans. Another legend says that they were used as an oracle by a priestess who could communicate with the gods.

One of the most famous legends is that they were visited by Homer’s hero Odysseus during his long journey back home after the Trojan War. According to this legend, Odysseus was seduced and detained by the nymph Calypso in her cave near Ramla Bay for seven years. He eventually escaped with the help of Athena and resumed his voyage.

Ticket prices

Adults over 18 years: €10
Youths (12-17): €8
Seniors (60+): €8
Children (6-11): €6
Infants (1-5): Free

Tarxien Temples

Tarxien Temples | Image by Kritzolina on Wikimedia Commons

Location and features

The Tarxien Temples are located in the town of Tarxien which takes its name from these temples. They date back to between 3000 BC and 2500 BC, making them one of the youngest temple complexes in Malta. They consist of four temples that are connected by a series of walls and passages.

The name Tarxien means “stones” in Maltese and refers to the large number of stones that were used to build the temples. The stones are arranged in a complex and elaborate layout, with multiple apses, corridors, chambers, and niches. The walls are also decorated with carvings, reliefs, and paintings of animals, plants, spirals, and human figures.

The temples also have several features that suggest they were used for ritual purposes, such as altars, libation holes, fireplaces, and stone balls. Some of these features are aligned with the solstices or equinoxes, indicating astronomical knowledge and significance.

Significance and discoveries

The Tarxien Temples are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta, as they represent the peak of the temple culture and its artistic expression. They are also a testimony to the diversity and complexity of the religious beliefs and practises of their builders.

The temples are also associated with several discoveries that have shed light on the lives and cultures of the temple builders. One of these discoveries is a large collection of pottery that was found in the temples, showing the variety and quality of their ceramic production. Another discovery is a series of human bones that were found in the temples, showing evidence of human sacrifice or cannibalism.

One of the most famous discoveries is a large stone statue that was found in the temples, depicting a fat woman with a skirt and a shawl. This statue is known as the “Fat Lady” or the “Sleeping Lady”, and is believed to represent a goddess or a priestess. It is now displayed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, which is a must visit for anyone interested to learn more about the temples and history of the islands.

Ticket prices

Adults over 18 years: €6
Youths (12-17): €4.50
Seniors (60+): €4.50
Children (6-11): €3
Infants (1-5): Free

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons

Location and features

The Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are located on the western side of Malta, near the village of Qrendi. They date back to between 3000 BC and 2500 BC, making them as old as the Tarxien Temples. They consist of two separate temples that are located about 500 metres apart on a hill overlooking the sea.

The name Ħaġar Qim means “standing stones” or “worship stones” in Maltese and refers to the large blocks of limestone that make up the temples. The stones are arranged in a similar shape as the Ġgantija temples.

The name Mnajdra means “sanctuary” in Maltese and refers to the sacred nature of the temples. The temples are arranged in a linear shape, with three consecutive temples facing each other. The walls are up to four metres high and two metres thick.

While Ħaġar Qim is easily accessible, the Mnajdra temple requires you to go down the hill along a footpath. While going down its easy do remember that you need to walk all the way up, which can be quite arduous during the scorching summer heat or for people with health conditions. Please exercise some caution before proceeding down the hill.

Significance and astronomical alignments

The Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are considered to be two of the most important archaeological sites in Malta, as they represent the peak of the temple culture and its astronomical orientation. They are also a testimony to the harmony and balance between nature and culture that characterised their builders.

The temples are also associated with several astronomical alignments that have fascinated researchers and visitors for decades. One of these alignments is that on the summer solstice (June 21), the sun rises in line with the main axis of Ħaġar Qim Temple, illuminating its central corridor and altar. Another alignment is that on the winter solstice (December 21), the sun rises in line with the main axis of Mnajdra Temple’s lower temple, illuminating its central corridor and altar.

These alignments show that the temple builders had sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and calendar systems. They also show that they used their temples as observatories or calendars to mark important dates or events in their religious or agricultural cycles.

Opening times and ticket prices

Both temples can be visited through the same ticket and prices are as follows

Adults over 18 years: €10
Youths (12-17): €7.50
Seniors (60+): €7.50
Children (6-11): €5.50
Infants (1-5): Free

Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples

Skorba Temple | Image by Mandyy88 on Wikimedia Commons

Location and features

The Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples are located near the village of Mġarr. While not as imposing or impressive as the other temples we covered, they are some of the oldest temples on the island making them very important archaeological sites.

The name Skorba means “heap of stones” in Maltese and refers to the appearance of the temple site before it was excavated. The temple is made of large blocks of coralline rock that are arranged in a cloverleaf shape, with three apses radiating from a central corridor.

The name Ta’ Ħaġrat means “of the stones” in Maltese and refers to the location of the temple site near a quarry. The temple is made of large blocks of limestone that are arranged in a cloverleaf shape, with four apses radiating from a central corridor. The walls are up to five metres high and three metres thick.

Significance and chronology

The Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples are considered to be some of the most important archaeological sites in Malta, as they represent the origins and development of the temple culture and its chronological phases. They are also a testimony to the continuity and diversity of the prehistoric cultures that inhabited the Maltese islands.

The temples date back to around the time the temples of Ġgantija were built and have been associated with several discoveries that have shed light on the history and chronology of the temple builders. One of these discoveries is a series of pottery sherds that were found in Skorba Temple, showing the different styles and techniques of ceramic production over time. Another discovery is a series of human bones that were found in Ta’ Ħaġrat Temple, showing evidence of human burial practises over time.

One of the most famous discoveries is a small clay figurine that was found in Skorba Temple, depicting a woman with a skirt and a shawl. This figurine is known as the “Skorba Lady” or the “Red Lady”, and is believed to represent a goddess or a priestess. Just like the “Fat Lady” found in Tarxien, it is now displayed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Ticket Prices

The temples are situated about 1 kilometre apart, and you need to purchase a ticket for each site. The tickets for each site are as follows:

Adults over 18 years: €3.50
Youths (12-17): €3.00
Seniors (60+): €3.00
Children (6-11): €2.50
Infants (1-5): Free

Conclusion

The megalithic temples of Malta are a remarkable heritage that deserves to be appreciated and preserved. They are not only ancient monuments but also living testimonies of a prehistoric culture that left behind a legacy of art, religion, and science.

The temples are also an invitation to explore and discover the secrets and mysteries of our ancestors and ourselves. They challenge us to question our assumptions and expand our horizons. They inspire us to admire and respect the natural elements, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, and the sea.

If you are planning to visit Malta, make sure you include the megalithic temples in your itinerary. You will not regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the megalithic temples of Malta?

The megalithic temples of Malta date back to between 3600 BC and 2500 BC, making them some of the oldest surviving monuments in the world.

How many megalithic temples are there in Malta?

There are seven main temple sites that are open to the public and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are Ġgantija Temples on Gozo, Tarxien Temples on Malta, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples on Malta, Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat Temples on Malta.

How were the megalithic temples built?

The megalithic temples were built by hand using large blocks of limestone or coralline rock that were cut, shaped, and transported by human labour. The temples have a distinctive layout that consists of a central corridor flanked by semi-circular chambers, or apses. The walls are often decorated with carvings, reliefs, or paintings depicting animals, plants, spirals, or geometric patterns.

What were the megalithic temples used for?

The megalithic temples were used for religious or ceremonial purposes, such as worshipping deities, celebrating seasons, marking astronomical events, burying the dead, or performing rites of passage. The temples also have evidence of fireplaces, hearths, or ovens that indicate they were also used for domestic activities.

What are some of the legends and myths associated with the megalithic temples?

Some of the legends and myths associated with the megalithic temples are that they were built by giants, that they were visited by Odysseus and Calypso, that they were used as an oracle by a priestess, and that they represent a goddess or a priestess.

What other archaeological sites can you visit in Malta?

Other noteworthy archaeological sites to visit are the temples of Borġ in-Nadur, Għar Dalam Cave, Xrobb l-Għaġin Temple and last but not least he Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni.