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Ġgantija

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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The Ġgantija Temple complex on the island of Gozo is one of the world's most significant archaeological sites and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980. The two temples date from between 3600 and 3200 BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids or Stonehenge. The name is derived from the Maltese word for giant, as local legends state that a giantess carried the massive limestone blocks, some of which are over five meters long and weigh more than 50 tons, into place. The facility consists of two separate temples with a common forecourt, enclosed by a massive boundary wall. Archaeological finds suggest that the site was dedicated to a fertility cult, with numerous statuettes and animal bones indicating ritual offerings. The construction shows an amazing understanding of Neolithic architecture and engineering, with coralline limestone used for the outer walls and softer globigerina limestone for the interiors.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Ġgantija Temples · It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija · Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave
Nearby: Munxar (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Ġgantija temples are an archaeological site on Gozo, visitable for an entrance fee. Access is via a visitor centre; the temples are sheltered but partly open.

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Typical hours

Archaeological sites in Malta typically open daily, often from 9:00 to 17:00, with extended hours in summer. Exact times should be checked on the official website.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site without flash. Commercial or tripod shots may require a permit.

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Time needed

Allow at least one hour for the temple grounds and visitor centre. For a detailed visit with audio guide, budget about 1.5 hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Ġgantija Interpretation Centre. The Gozo Museum in Victoria's Citadel is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

From Victoria (Gozo), reach the temples by bus (lines 301, 303) or on foot in about 30 minutes. On-site parking is available.

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Insider tip

Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the temple's serenity. A hat and sunscreen are advisable as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates

36.04750, 14.26920

Facts

The temples are over 5,500 years old.
The complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Some of the stones weigh over 50 tons.
The outer wall reaches a height of six meters in some places.
Archaeologists found evidence of flint burning inside.
The temples were constructed without the use of metal tools.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Xagħra<1 km · NWExplore →

Xewkija Industrial Estate (Gozo)1 km · SExplore →

Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)2 km · WExplore →

Ramla Bay2 km · NEExplore →

Nadur2 km · SEExplore →

Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)3 km · NExplore →

San Blas Bay3 km · EExplore →

Mġarr ix-Xini3 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ġgantija (10)

Ġgantija Temples

Neolithic megalithic temple complex on Gozo, older than Stonehenge.

🌐 heritagemalta.mt♿

It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija 🏛 museum

Museum displaying finds and models of the Ġgantija temples.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:30♿💶

Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave

Cave in Malta with prehistoric remains, near Xagħra.

Ta' Kola Windmill 🏛 museum

Historic windmill in Xagħra, Gozo, now a museum of milling.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00💶

Xagħra Stone Circle

Bronze Age stone circle archaeological site.

Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady

Church in Xagħra dedicated to the birth of Mary.

Pomzikillous Museum of Toys🏛 museum

Toy museum with vintage dolls and models.

Ninu's Cave

Natural cave in Xagħra, open to visitors.

Ramla Valley

Valley offering views of the red sandy Ramla Bay.

Xerri's Grotto

Cave with stalactites and stalagmites in Xagħra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old are the Ġgantija Temples?

They date from between 3600 and 3200 BC, making them older than Stonehenge.

Are they a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, the temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Where are the temples located?

In Xagħra on the island of Gozo.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, there is a visitor center and a ticket is required.

How long does a visit take?

Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours for the temples and the museum.

Ġgantija: where is it located?

Ġgantija is located in Malta.

Ġgantija: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ġgantija Temples, It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija, Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave.

Ġgantija: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Ġgantija: why is it worth visiting?

The Ġgantija Temple complex on the island of Gozo is one of the world's most significant archaeological sites and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980.

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