Ggantija

megaliths at ggantija temple

The Ggantija Temple is one of a kind. You have to make sure to visit this archaeological site during your stay in Gozo. The Ggantija Temple is the oldest religious temple in the world. 

The site is dated to around 3600 BC. This was called the neolithic period. However, Ggantija is also one of the oldest free standing buildings in the world. This is because the walls are able to support themselves without a ceiling.

Carolina limestone was used for the outside walls. Being hard, heavy, and robust, it is erosion resistant. In fact the temple is in a good state of preservation. Globigerina limestone was used for internal walls, doorways, and altars. The big stones originate from the South of Gozo. These megaliths were rolled over stone balls up the hill until placed on specific spots for construction.

ggantija temple as seen from above

The Ggantija Temple was a place of prayers but also a place of rituals. This was concluded during the studies of the site since there where a lot of animal bones present. Next to the site, you will find a museum with details about the site, archaeological remains, and statues of the “Fat Lady”. 

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