Ggantija

Ggantija is a megalithic temple complex on the Maltese island of Gozo, located near the village of Xagħra. It is among the oldest surviving free-standing structures in the world and dates to the late Neolithic period, roughly between 3600 and 3200 BCE. The name Ggantija derives from Maltese for “giant,” reflecting local legend that giants built the temples.

The complex consists of two adjacent temple enclosures enclosed by a single outer wall. The temples are built from large limestone blocks and feature corbelled roofs, with an irregular plan that includes apses, benches, and interior spaces interpreted as ritual chambers. The two temples share a common forecourt and entrance, and the site shows evidence of ceremonial activity, including altars and the deposition of offerings.

Archaeological work at Ggantija began in the modern era, and the site is recognized for its exceptional preservation and insight into Neolithic religious practices. In 1980, Ggantija, together with other Maltese megalithic temples, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding example of prehistoric architecture and its reflection of ritual life in the central Mediterranean.

Today, the site is managed by Heritage Malta and is open to visitors. It stands as a key monument in Malta’s prehistoric heritage, illustrating early monumental building, community organization, and ritual life in the Maltese archipelago. The Ggantija temples continue to be a focal point for studies of Neolithic Europe and for the broader understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.