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Ggantija Temple

Ggantija temples in Xaghra, Gozo are one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta. The origins of Ggantija date back to the Ggantija phase (3600 - 3200 BC). John Otto Bayer was the first to excavate the temples in 1827. Extensive archaelogical and restoration work was carried out in the early 20th century to ensure their preservation.

The Ggantija megalithic complex consists of two temples surrounded by a massive common boundry wall. One of the most striking features of the entire complex, the boundary wall is built using the alternating header and stretcher technique, with some of the megaliths exceeding five metres in length and weighing over fifty tons.

The temples at Ggantija are built with rough, coraline limestone blocks. Each temple contains five apses connected by a central corridor leading to the innermost trefoil section. The first temple is larger and contains a variety of features such as altars, relief carvings and libation holes. The second temple was built later and is devoid of such features. Also of interest is the corbelling technique evident on the inwardly inclined walls, suggesting that the temple was roofed.

The gigantic dimensions of the megaliths have always struck a chord with popular imagination. In centuries past, some locals even believed that the islands temples, in particular those of Ggantija were the work of giants. This particular temple site in Gozo bears witness to this ancient legend, its name Ggantija is Maltese for giant.

Our sincere thanks to Heritage Malta for their assistance in providing the information related to the pre-historic sites and museums in Malta and Gozo.

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