A Giant on a Tiny Island: Exploring Ġgantija Temples in Gozo

The Ġgantija Temples in Gozo rank among the most remarkable historical sites in the world. If you’re visiting Malta’s sister island, a stop at Ġgantija is a must as these ancient structures offer a unique glimpse into the dawn of Malta’s history.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this handy introduction and guide with everything you need to know, including interesting theories and facts about the temples, how to get there, ticket prices, opening hours, and accessibility tips. Let’s explore!

The Ġgantija Temples in Gozo are a stunning example of ancient architecture, built around 3600 BC. That makes them even older than the Pyramids of Egypt and many of the world’s oldest known structures. Although much has been uncovered since their discovery by Colonel John Otto Bayer in 1827, these temples are still wrapped in lots of mystery and guesswork.

Here are five fascinating facts to get you acquainted with the mystical Ġgantija Temples before your visit:

Let’s start with the name itself. The word “Ġgantija” comes from the Maltese word for giant, “ġgant.” The temple is in fact associated with the Ġgantija phase, a crucial period in Malta’s cultural development when early settlers began constructing megalithic temples, including the temples in Gozo.

But according to local legends, a giantess once lived on the island Gozo. This mythical giantess who supposedly fed only on fava beans and honey, while carrying a child fathered by a Gozitan man. It was believed that the giantess built the enormous temple structure by hand, all by herself. The legend is often used to explain how ancient people could have moved and arranged such massive stones.

When you visit the Ġgantija Temples today, you’ll see them open to the sky, with five large apses arranged in a cloverleaf shape. However, some archaeologists believe that the temples were originally roofed, which is quite rare for megalithic structures of this type.

A recent theory, popularised by the Netflix series Ancient Apocalypse, suggests that the temples may have once towered up to three storeys high, making them visible from afar. The idea that the Ġgantija Temples once had such an impressive presence, which could be spotted from around the island certainly adds to the sense of mystery. Unfortunately, we may never know what they truly looked like in their original form.

Ġgantija is likely to have served as a spiritual and communal hub for early Gozitan settlers and communities. In fact, surrounding the main temple complex is evidence of smaller satellite temples, although not much of them remains today. These smaller temples may have supported the religious practices performed in the main structure, offering additional spaces for rituals, worship, or even smaller community gatherings. Although little is left of these satellite structures, their existence hints at how central Ġgantija must have been for early societies, and just how central worship and ceremonial life was to these early island cultures.

Like Malta’s temples at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, Ġgantija is thought to be linked to a fertility cult. During excavations, archaeologists have unearthed various figurines and statues of a Fertility Goddess, suggesting that worship at the temples cantered around fertility rituals. One large stone block near the temple’s entrance is believed to have been a purification station, where worshippers may have cleansed themselves before entering. Excavations have also found evidence of animal sacrifices, with bones scattered throughout the site.

Today, Ġgantija features two main temple complexes, but archaeologists have found evidence of a third temple that was never completed. The reasons for this are unclear. Were the builders interrupted by environmental changes, societal shifts, or a lack of resources? Whatever the reason, the incomplete third temple adds another layer of intrigue to an already mysterious site. While the answer remains lost to time, it definitely deepens the fascination surrounding Ġgantija.

Planning a trip to the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo? Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you make the most of this incredible ancient site.

The Ġgantija Temples are located in the peaceful village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo. If you’re travelling from Malta, you’ll first need to take the Gozo Ferry from Cirkewwa. Alternatively, you can use the passenger-only fast ferry service that runs from Valletta.

Once you arrive at Mġarr harbour in Gozo, it’s just a short 15-minute drive to Xagħra. For those relying on public transport, bus 322 from Mġarr towards Marsalforn will take you to Xagħra along the way.

As one of Gozo’s top attractions, the temples are open year-round.

From March to October, you can visit daily from 10 am to 6 pm. While between January and February, the site is open Monday then from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

At the entrance to the Ġgantija Archaeological Park, you’ll find an Interpretation Centre and museum that offers a fascinating introduction to the history and significance of the temples. The museum provides valuable context about the Neolithic period, allowing you to better understand the ancient cultures that constructed these megalithic structures. Inside, you’ll also discover a selection of significant artefacts uncovered from prehistoric sites across Gozo.

Ġgantija Temples is operated by Heritage Malta, which oversees many of the country’s historic sites. As of 2024, the ticket prices to Ġgantija are as follows:

• Adults (18+): €10
• Youths (12-17): €8
• Senior Citizens (60+): €8
• Concessions & Students: €8
• Children (6-11): €6
• Infants (1-5): Free

Audioguides in multiple languages are available on-site, and there’s also a handy guide app you can download to get more out of your visit. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the history and significance of the temples, you might want to consider booking a guided tour through Heritage Malta.

Heritage Malta has made significant improvements in recent years to make the Ġgantija Temples more accessible to everyone. Ramped pathways from the interpretation centre lead to the temples, though some inner areas remain off-limits to ramps due to the site’s archaeological sensitivity. If you need specific accessibility information or assistance, it’s always a good idea to contact Heritage Malta ahead of your visit.

A great bonus to visiting Ġgantija is that your ticket also grants you free entry to Ta’ Kola Windmill, just a short walk from the temples. One of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands, Ta’ Kola dates back to the era of the Knights of St John and offers a fascinating peek into Gozo’s rural history. The windmill has been transformed into a museum showcasing traditional Gozitan life, with exhibits on bread milling, farming, and local folklore. It’s a charming spot to explore and adds a lovely, cultural touch to your day out in Gozo.

If you’re a guest at one of our award-winning AX Hotels in Sliema, Qawra, or Valletta, then reach out to our dedicated service team for tailored suggestions for your visit to the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo, ensuring you make the most of your day in the area.