Megalithic temples of Malta

In addition to beautiful beaches and interesting excursions to the cities of Malta , many tourists are attracted here the biggest mystery of these islands - these are megalithic temples. They are called prehistoric presences, some of which are best preserved, recognized as the cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Mysteries of megalithic structures

Megalithic temples of Malta were erected, since 5000 BC, and therefore serve as a basis for the periodization of the ancient history of the Maltese islands.

Around these structures there are a lot of riddles and questions, the main ones of which are who and how did they build these temples? They are huge, have in their construction of stone blocks of incredible weight, and at the same time erected without the use of iron tools, and even more so - without modern construction equipment. Therefore, local residents, who lived close to many centuries later, did not believe that an ordinary person could build them. As a result, many legends have appeared about these temples, including the people-giants who built them.

Noteworthy is the fact that megalithic structures in Malta appeared much earlier than in mainland Europe, and also older than the Egyptian pyramids for at least 1000 years. They are considered the oldest surviving buildings on the planet.

Also, as a result of numerous studies, scientists have established a regularity: in the center of each megalithic complex there are graves, and around them, at a certain distance, temples have been erected.

The temples that have survived to this day

A total of 23 megalithic sanctuaries were found in Malta. By our time, many of them are destroyed or half-ruined, but even the remains are impressive with their giant dimensions.

Today, only 4 churches remain in relative preservation:

1. Ggantija is a complex of two temples with different entrances, but a common back wall. It is considered the oldest megalith and is located in the center of the island of Gozo . The dilapidated facade of Giantia reaches 6 m in height, its limestone blocks reach 5 m in length and 50 tonnes in weight. Therefore, during construction, the principle of masonry was used - the stones are kept at the expense of their weight. Inside the structure, places were found for hanging animals before sacrificing and altar.
2. Hajar Kim (Kvim) - the largest and best-preserved megalith, is located near the village of Krendi - 15 km south-west of Valletta . It stands on a hill and overlooks the sea and the island of Filfla. This is a complex of three temples, stands out among the others carved figures on the walls of gods and animals, mysterious spirals. Around the Hajjar Kim there is also a courtyard and a façade.
3. Mnajdra is a complex of three temples that from the height all together resemble leaflets of clover. Mnaydra stands on a precipitous coast, near Hajar Qim, ironing on the same island of Phil. Its peculiarity is that it is oriented to the sunrise during the equinox and solstice. There were found statuettes, stone and clay, shells, various ornaments, ceramics, silicon tools. And the absence of iron tools of labor speaks of its neolithic origin.
4. Tarchien - the most complex and interesting in architectural terms megalithic construction in Malta, consists of 4 temples with numerous altars, altars, which indicates the deep religious beliefs of the ancient Maltese. Until now, the lower part of the stone statue of the ancient goddess at the entrance to one of the temples, which was taken to the museum, has been preserved, and here a copy of it has been left.

How to get to the temples?

Ggantija is located on the island of Gozo, on the outskirts of the town of Shara. You can get to this island by public transport, for example, by ferry from Chirkevvy (there are buses №645, 45 to Cirkewwa), on arrival - change to a bus traveling through the village of Nadur, where you need to get off. Then follow the signs, the path from the stop to the temple will take 10 minutes.

To get to the temple of Hajar Kwim, you need to take bus number 138 or number 38, coming from the airport, and get off at the Hajar stop. From Khadrag Kwim, you should walk less than a kilometer in the direction of the coast to see the Mnaydra temple.

The Tarjen temple is located in the city of Paola , it is possible to get to it from the central terminal of Valletta by buses No. 29, 27, 13, 12, 11.

The cost of visiting churches varies from € 6 to € 10.

The reasons for the end of the ancient civilization in Malta remain a mystery to this day. But when asked why many churches are destroyed, there are several assumptions: climate change, depletion of lands, wars that have been waged here, and the use of temple stones in economic activities by the later local population.

Studies of megalithic churches do not stop. If you also want to touch the spirit of the ancient civilization in Malta, perhaps to make your observations and simply admire the stunning, orderly mystical work of the ancient Maltese, make a trip to at least one of the temples. Perhaps, it is for you here to open a secret.