Ggantija Temples Gozo: A Window to Prehistoric Times

Step into the Past where the Giants Once Stood

Gozo is a charming island in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, transparent waters, and historical landmarks. One of the island’s most valuable treasures is the Ggantija Temples, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site. These temples hold a distinctive place in the history of humanity. This blog post will explore their mysteries and beauty, providing a comprehensive travel guide for those eager to discover this ancient wonder.

Visitors from all over the world come here to admire this site’s ancient history. If you plan a visit to Gozo, include a visit to Ggantija in your itinerary.

A Glimpse into History

The Ggantija Temples on the northeast side of Gozo are an awe-inspiring pair of megalithic temples dating back to approximately 3600-3200 BC. They are older than Stonehenge, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and their impressive scale is aptly characterized by the name “Ggantija,” which means “giant” in Maltese. These ancient structures stand as a testament to their builders’ remarkable architectural and engineering skills and are widely considered the oldest freestanding monuments in the world.

Architectural Marvels

The Ggantija Temples are made up of two temple complexes, known as Ggantija I and Ggantija II. A massive boundary wall surrounds each complex and consists of semicircular chambers. The temples were built using enormous limestone blocks, some weighing over fifty tons, sourced from local quarries. Standing in their shadow is a mesmerizing experience that evokes contemplation of the tremendous effort that went into their creation.

The precision with which the Ggantija Temples were constructed is truly fascinating. The builders demonstrated a remarkable understanding of astronomy and aligned the temples with the winter and summer solstices. This alignment enabled them to comprehend better the changing seasons, which likely played a significant role in the agricultural practices of the island.

It is still a mystery how early man constructed the magnificent monuments of Ggantija as they did not have wheels or metal tools at that time. However, historians can gather from the artefacts found at the site that the temples were primarily used for religious ceremonies. The area of Ggantija has yielded several interesting findings, such as alters, stone hearths, and ancient figurines, which provide insights into the purpose of these temples. Even though we do not know much about Ggantija, the preserved artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in ancient Malta. While Malta has other megalithic sites, Ggantija is the most popular with locals and tourists.

Spiritual Significance

It is widely believed that the Ggantija Temples were used for worship and rituals, although their exact purpose remains debated among archaeologists and historians. These temples are a fascinating insight into the spiritual practices of the ancient people who lived in Gozo many years ago. The temples were dedicated to a fertility goddess, and the site yielded numerous figurines and artefacts, including the famous “Venus of Malta.”

A Guide for Tourists Visiting Ggantija Temples

• How to Get There: the Ggantija temples, located in Xaghra, Gozo, can be reached by taking a ferry from either Cirkewwa in Malta or Valletta, Malta’s capital. If coming from Mgarr Harbour, take a 322 bus to Imqades stop for the temple entrance. Catch a 307 bus to Dahla stop if you are already on the island. These buses are available at the Victoria terminal.
• Opening Hours and Admission: The temples are open to the public year-round. Opening hours and ticket prices may vary. It’s best to check the opening hours on their website before your visit. Now, you are ready to step inside the ancient megaliths at Ggantija. This site is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00, excluding public holidays. The tour begins at the Ggantija Museum and Interpretation Centre, where you can purchase tickets. Adult tickets are €10, youth, senior citizens, and students can enter for €8, and children for €6. 
• Guided Tours: To gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the Ggantija Temples, consider joining a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can provide valuable insights into the site’s history and mysteries.
• Respect the Site: While visiting, remember to treat the Ggantija Temples with the respect they deserve. Avoid touching or climbing on the ancient stones, and be mindful of your impact on the site’s preservation.
• Explore the Surroundings: After visiting the temples, take some time to explore the charming village of Xaghra and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the village’s restaurants. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the nearby Ta’ Kola Windmill, a historic windmill converted into a museum.
• Dinner and Drinks in the Square: If you’re in Xaghra and looking for delicious cocktails and a relaxing atmosphere, head to 73. For a more substantial meal, you can try Latini Restaurant. They serve large portions of exquisite fish, meat dishes, and authentic Gozitan cuisine. And, if you’re in the area during the evening, you can stop at Olympic Wine Bar & Restaurant. From its rooftop bar, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the piazza and the church of Xaghra. The lights reflecting on the church and the bustling of other locals and visitors enjoying the evening are quite a sight.

Explore the wonders of Gozo with BELS and let your journey of discovery begin.

BELS is an international English school in Gozo that welcomes students worldwide to learn English in Gozo and experience the charm of the islands as a community.

We offer a complete package that includes courses, accommodation, activities, and airport transfers for a fully immersive learning experience. You will have the opportunity to take communicative English courses in a scenic countryside location during the mornings. In your free time, you can enjoy the Mediterranean island lifestyle with your new friends from BELS.

Are you interested? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll help you plan your trip.