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Each temple has its own character, but what they have in common are the massive stone blocks that form semicircular chambers \u2013 places believed to have been the center of rituals and ceremonies. The excavations reveal a peaceful and highly developed culture, but exactly why the temples were built remains a mystery. Were they sacred buildings, astronomical observatories \u2013 or something else entirely? The unanswered questions make the visit even more interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most fascinating times of the year to visit the temples are at the spring and autumn equinoxes. The temples functioned as advanced sundials and helped ancient people to almost accurately determine when it was time for sowing and harvesting. Meeting the sunrise on site at the equinox is a unique experience that shows how people in Malta already 5,000 years ago had an extraordinary knowledge of time and the movements of the stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hagar Qim (Malta)<\/strong> Mnajdra (Malta)<\/strong> Ggantija<\/strong> (Gozo)<\/strong>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelreport.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ghar-hasan-1-2.jpg\")
Four temples that will take you back in time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelreport.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Heritage-Hagar-Qim-2.jpg\")
On a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea rises \u0126a\u0121ar Qim, one of Malta's most magnificent temples. Here, archaeologists have found beautifully decorated altars and bas-reliefs, as well as several statuettes of mother goddesses. In one of the chambers, at the summer solstice, you can experience a special phenomenon, where a ray of light hits the wall and creates a crescent-shaped light image. A masterpiece of both architecture and astronomical precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a stone\u2019s throw from Ha\u0121ar Qim lies Mnajdra \u2013 best known for its southern building, where the stones are positioned with impressive astronomical precision. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the first rays of the sun strike the temple\u2019s central entrance with millimeter precision, while special stones mark the position of the sun at the summer and winter solstices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the island of Gozo lies \u0120gantija, Malta\u2019s two oldest megalithic temples. The name means \u201cgiant,\u201d a reminder of the folk belief that only giants could have erected the massive blocks, weighing up to 50 tons. The temple walls show traces of altars and fireplaces, and animal bone remains have also been found here, a sign that the site may have been used for important rituals and celebrations.
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Tarxien (Malta)<\/strong>
Among the temples of Malta, Tarxien is the most ornate. It consists of four interconnected buildings, decorated with elaborate patterns of spirals and animal motifs. In the temple, archaeologists have found bones of bulls, pigs and goats, which are believed to have played a central role in ceremonies. The remains of one of the largest statues from Malta's temple period were also found here \u2013 a massive fertility figure, the lower part of which, with skirt and feet, can still be seen in situ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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