Officially recognised by UNESCO as one of the oldest freestanding buildings in the world, the Ġgantija Neolithic temples, located just outside Xagħra in Gozo, are over 5,500 years old. Older than even the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in the UK.
The temples were built between 3600 and 3200 BC but fell into disuse around 2500BC. Like most of Malta’s megalithic sites, the Ġgantija Temples face the rising sun.
Located at the highest point on Gozo island, the temples offer a great view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Gozitan countryside.
What’s In A Name
The name Ġgantija comes from the Maltese word for giant. Ġgantija means ‘Place of Giants.’ The Gozitans say it was giants that built the temples. Not surprising really when you see the size of some of the limestone blocks. Some exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons.
Another tale about the temple tells of a giantess who only ate honey and broad beans. One day, the giantess bore a child from a local man. Umm, some interesting images come to mind here -and with the child holding on to her shoulder, she built the temples as a place of worship.
How Have The Ġgantija Temples Survived So Long
The outer walls of the Ġgantija Temples are made from weather-resistant coralline limestone, while for doorways, altars, the softer, Globigerina limestone was used.
The Ġgantija Temples consist of a north and a south temple with several nooks that lead off a central corridor. There is evidence that the internal walls were plastered and painted. Two plaster fragments found that were painted with red ochre are now preserved at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology.
In front of the temples, there’s a large terrace which would most likely have been used for ceremonies. Animal bone remains suggest possible animal sacrifice. There are also stone hearths for fire and cut into the floor are some libation holes that may have been used for liquid offerings.
Statuettes and other objects found at Ġgantija can be seen at the Museum of Archaeology in Victoria, Gozo.
How Were The Ġgantija Temples Built
No one really knows how the temples were built. Studies have unearthed several spherical stones which led to the belief that the temple builders maybe rolled the blocks of stone on these spheres to get them into position. However, it is still unknown how they managed to piece them together.
Top Tips For Visiting Ggantija Temples
As with many places in Malta and Gozo, there is very little shade. For some reason, the Maltese have an aversion to trees.
If you are visiting in the summer months, wear a hat, bring water and wear sunscreen. Go early or go late.
Be sure to visit the fascinating and air-conditioned interpretation centre. Should you need to buy a souvenir to remember your visit, like all good historic sites, your exit will take you out via the museum shop.
After you visit the temples, take a short stroll to the town square. Here you will find an impressive church and lots of eateries. Fancy a light lunch; we recommend the Coronation Bar. Fancy somewhere a bit fancier, head to Latini.
Opening Hours For Ggantija Temples
Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Ggantija Temples
Adults €8
Students/ Seniors €6
Children 6-11 €4
Ggantija Temples is part of Heritage Malta, and they often have special ticket deals if you visit more than one site. Check here for latest deals https://heritagemalta.org/admission-fees/.
How To Get To Ggantija Temples
The temples are located in Xaghra, Gozo.
By Car
The temples can easily be reached by car. There is plenty of parking nearby.
By Hop On/ Hop Off Bus
The Hop On/ Hop Off Bus stops right outside.
By Bus
Take Bus 307 from Victoria. Journey time 15 minutes and buses run every hour.
Take Bus 322 from Marsalforn and Mgarr Harbour.
From Xlendi, you will need to take a bus to Victoria and change there.
On A Day Tour
Guided tours are available to the Ggantija Temples. When you’re in Gozo, don’t forget to take a trip across to Comino Island. But avoid visiting in the busy summer months.
Would We Recommend Visiting Ggantija Temples
Yes, if you are already in Gozo, it’s well worth a trip.
Don’t go out of your way to get there, if you’re staying on Malta. With summer traffic and local transportation, you’ll be fed up and exhausted by the time you get to the temples. The distances may be short, but to cover 20 kilometres in Malta takes a lot longer than other places. Need a Neolithic fix? Don’t worry; there are plenty of Neolithic sites to explore in Malta such as the Hypogeum and the Hagar Qim Temples.
Have you visited any Neolithic sites on your travels? We would love to hear your tales and recommendations. Tell us about them in the comments below.
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I was not knowing that Malta too have some temples and it would be great to visit Ġgantija Temples in Gozo. Giants build this structures sounds interesting and also the myth about giantess bearing a child of normal person and then built it for place of worship. Sometimes historical facts are very interesting and unique too.
I love all the wonderful things you have discovered and explored in Malta. There is so much culture and history here and I love all the tales and folklore about the giants building this place.
I have always wanted to visit Malta! Amazing that you have provided the price of each place, thanks for this!
Malta, apart from being a sun-n-sea lover’s destination, has so much historical sites to explore! The construction, location and the tales behind the Ġgantija temples are very interesting. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Can’t wait to visit Malta and get to Gozo..it’s up there on my list and was hoping for this year until you know what changed travel for all of us..thanks for your story..had no idea about the temples
I had never heard of the Ggantija Temple before, and am amazed its older than the pyramids or Stonehenge. I’m always fascinated at how these types of structures were built before the invention of the wheel, or any other automation. Thanks for all the great information!
It’s amazing what ancient cultures could get done without the distraction of TV and social media! There has to be some simple and obvious explanation about how sites like this and Stonehenge got constructed. And I think one day that mystery will be solved hopefully in my lifetime because the suspense is killing me. 🙂
You got me at 5500 years old!! Any structure with so much history quite simply amazes me. A temple built by giants! I am sure to visit Ġgantija Temples in Gozo when I visit Malta (which would have been this summer). Love to know more and am sure to spend some time at the Museum Centre to learn more of the temple’s history and discoveries.
We love to find unique UNESCO sites when we travel. So we would definitely want to check out the Ggantija Temples as the oldest freestanding building. Always love tales of the history of places and this one befits a tale of giants. Definitely looks like one to add to our growing Malta list.
Wow! That’s such an interesting historical site. I am adding this to my bucket list.