The Maltese Islands have three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. In all, seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual development.
Ħaġar Qim Temples, Mnajdra
By Heritage Malta
The temple of Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex found not more than 2km south-west of the village of Qrendi. The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among some of the most ancient religious sites on Earth. These ancient temples were described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces." In fact, in 1992 UNESCO recognized Ħaġar Qim and four other Maltese megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites. The temple itself dates to the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC). The features of the temple’s architecture reveal possible associations with fertility rituals, including corpulent figurines and statuary, together with solar alignments and a megalith. The complex consists of a main temple and three additional megalithic structures beside it, and it shares its basic architectural design with the Mnajdra, Tarxien and Ġgantija temple complexes.
To visit this temple, get your tickets now: https://www.showshappening.com/heritage-malta/aar-Qim-Temples-Mnajdra-Visitor-Centre
Ġgantija Temples, Mnajdra
By Heritage Malta
Similar to the Ħaġar Qim Temples, the Ġgantija temples also date back to 3600 and 3200 BC and were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO back in 1980. The site is one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids! The megalithic temple complex is found in the village of Xagħra in Gozo. Another similarity with the Ħaġar Qim Complex, is that researchers have found that the numerous figurines and statues found on site are associated with a fertility rite. This megalithic monument encompasses two temples and an incomplete third, of which only the facade was partially built before being abandoned.
To visit this complex, get your tickets here: https://www.showshappening.com/heritage-malta/ggantija-temples-ta-kola
Tarxien Temples
By Heritage Malta
The Tarxien Temples’ site was extensively excavated between 1915 and 1919, after beingdiscovered in 1913 by local farmers ploughing a field. Similar to the temples mentionedabove, the Tarxien Temples were also inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. It’s estimated they were built between 3800 u 2200 BC, and re-used between 2400 and 1500 BC. Of particular interest at this site is the rich and intricate stonework, including depictions of domestic animals carved in altars, relief and screens decorated with spiral designs and different patterns. The location and relationship with the temple of decorated stones, altars and other findings, indicate which type of activities might have taken place in this site.
To visit the Tarxien Temples, buy your tickets here:
https://www.showshappening.com/heritage-malta/tarxien-temples
