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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 B.C.). John Otto Bayer was the first
to excavate the temples in 1827. Extensive archaeological 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 boundary 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, coralline
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.
For site opening times, see Visiting.
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