Ggantija Temples

Gozo Heritage, Temples Of Ggantija,
Gozo Attractions That Must Be Seen

The Ggantija temples are older than the Stonehenge England and the pyramids of Egypt by 1,000 years. They are also the most ancient of all the earliest of the Megalithic temples of Malta.

The temples are located in Xaghra Gozo shares a common history with those of Malta. These temples were the first Maltese prehistoric structures to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

These Temples are one of the most important archaeological heritage and the most preserved sites in the Maltese Islands. They consists of two temples surrounded by a massive common boundary wall.  

Ggantija, meaning 'Giant' in Maltese, takes its name from the sheer size of the upper coraline limestone used to construct the outer perimeter of the complex over 5000 years ago.

Each temple contains five roughly circular apses round a central axis with five apses connected by a central corridor leading to the innermost section. The first temple is larger and contains a variety of features such as altars, carvings and holes. The second temple was built later.

The ground is paved with large slabs of stone, but today the ground is covered with wooden platforms for preservation. Amongst the shrines and niches, there are a number of altars. This shows that this place must have been used for religious ceremonies. Again the megaliths are very similar to the ones in Malta and it is highly likely people of the same culture built it.

Ggantija Temples

"Excellent exhibition with ongoing restoration of the temples... great views over the island from the temple walls.... really enjoyed this experience."

Amazing

"This temple is older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge and yet not many people know about it. It has a very good visitors centre and you will need about an hour to do the centre and the site itself."

Must See Trip On Gozo

"This is a really interesting trip. Joint visit to the windmill and megalith stone building. Really well put together museum and archeological site. Beautiful views if Xaghra and the surrounding coast."

Winter opening hours – October to May

- Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
- Last admission 16:30

Summer opening hours – June to September

- Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Last admission 17:30

- Closed on 24, 25 and 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday.

Tickets:

- Firstly you go to the visitors centre to buy the tickets.

- Visit the small museum. Then proceed by walking to the Ggantija temples.

The following prices are for the admission to Ggantija Temple and Ta'Kola Windmill

- Adults (18 – 59 years): €9.00
- Youths (12 – 17), Senior citizens (60 years &- over), Concessions and Students: €7.00
- Children (6 - 11): €5.00
- Infants (1 - 5): Free

The following prices are for the times of 16:30 and 17:30 (summer hours)

- Adults (18 – 59 years): €6.00
- Youths (12 – 17), Senior citizens (60 years &- over), Concessions and Students: €4.50
- Children (6 - 11): €3.00
- Infants (1 - 5): Free

Getting there: This temple is located in Gozo. To arrive here you will first need to get the ferry from Malta To Gozo. Drive towards Xaghra, follow the signs. Go uphill towards the village and close by there is parking on the right side. The temples are very close by.

Where are the Ggantija temples?

How do I get to Ta'Kola Windmill from Ggantija temples?

Both sites are very close to each other and in walking distance. 

Public Transport: You will need to catch route 307 (from Victoria) or 322 (from Mgarr). You then stop at 'Tempji' bus stop. There is a 2 minute walk to the temples.

Hop-On Hop-Off Routes: The sightseeing bus of both tour operators pass from here with a stop close to the temples.

Eating: There are various restaurants in the centre of Xaghra well known for their quality food.

Surrounding Villages: Victoria and Xewkija.

Cultural Attractions:

- In Xaghra there is the Ta’ Kola Windmill with a museum within the windmill.

- Museum of Toys, Calypso Cave, churches, temples other than Ggantija.

Ggantija prehistoric temples are one of the main attractions you can visit while in Gozo.