Ġgantija Temples

The Ggantija Temples are the oldest standing human construction in the world. They are located on the island of Gozo and are estimated to have been built between 3600 and 3200 BC.

The two temples mimic the shape of a large woman which may represent fertility. Some of the megaliths used in their construction weigh more than 50 tonnes, so the Neolithic builders used very advanced techniques.

This fact has led to the site being known as the "Temple of the Giants", in Maltese "ggantija".

Although its condition appears more deteriorated than its sister temples in Malta (Hagar Qim and Tarxien), it's amazing that the base of the temple has remained standing to this day.

As in other temples in Malta, animal bones were found at Ggantija, indicating that the site was used for religious rituals that included animal sacrifices. Archaeological studies have also been able to detail that the use of fire inside the temple was quite common.

How to get to the Ggantija Temples

To reach the temples of Ggantija from Valletta, St. Julian's or other towns in Malta, you'll need to catch one of the ferries that depart daily from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, in the northwest of the island.

Once at the port of arrival, Mgarr, the bus line 322 will take you to the site of Ggantija.