Ggantija 

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  GGANTIJA TEMPLE, GOZO, MALTA
  by DRON

  US$3.42–US$91.20

  Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, Gozo, are one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta. The origins of Ggantija date back to the Ggantija phase (3600 – 3200 B.C.). John Otto Bayer was the first to excavate the temples in 1827. Extensive archaeological and restoration work was carried out in the early 20th century to ensure their preservation. The Ggantija megalithic complex consists of two temples surrounded by a massive common boundary wall. One of the most striking features of the entire complex, the boundary wall, is built using the alternating header and stretcher technique, with some of the megaliths exceeding five metres in length and weighing over fifty tons. The temples at Ggantija are built with rough, coralline limestone blocks. Each temple contains five apses connected by a central corridor leading to the innermost trefoil section. The first temple is larger and contains a variety of features such as altars, relief carvings and libation holes. The second temple was built later and is devoid of such features. Also of interest is the corbelling technique evident on the inwardly inclined walls, suggesting that the temple was roofed. The gigantic dimensions of the megaliths have always struck a chord with popular imagination. In centuries past, some locals even believed that the Islands’ temples, in particular those of Ggantija, were the work of giants. This particular temple site in Gozo bears witness to this ancient legend: its name, Ggantija, is Maltese for giant.

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  Ggantija Temples.
  by Anthony Vella

  US$3.42–US$34.20

  The Ggantija Temples at Xaghra, Gozo. Dating back to 3600 – 3200 BC, this Megalithic complex consists of two temples surruonded by a massive, common, boundary wall. This wall is built in the alternateing header and stretcher technique. Some of the megaliths exceed 5 meters in length and weigh over 50 tons. The gigantic stones have inspired the legend that these temples were built by a giantess whose diet consisted of dried broad beans.

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  Inside the Ggantija Temples.
  by Anthony Vella

  US$3.42–US$34.20

  The Temples, (older than Stonehenge) each containing 5 apses connected by a central corridor, leading to the innermost trefoil section, are built with rough coralline limestone blocks, thought to have been carried up from the valley below. The first temple is larger and contains a variety of features such as altars, relief carvings and libation holes. The second temple, which was a later addition, is devoid of such features. Worth mentioning is the corbelling technique evident in the inwardly inclined walls, suggesting that the structure was roofed.

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  Ggantija
  by MaureenMarlowe

  US$3.42

  Ġgantija is a megalithic temple complex on the Mediterranean island of Gozo (part of Malta). The two temples of Ġgantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Neolithic structures, which were erected during the Neolithic Age (c. 3600-2500 BC). At more than 5500 years old, the Ġgantija temples are the world’s oldest free-standing structures, and the world’s oldest religious structures, pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. The temples were possibly the site of an Earth Mother Goddess Fertility Cult, with numerous figurines and statues found on site believed to be connected with that cult. In the Maltese language, Ġgantija means “belonging to the giants”. According to local Gozitan legend, the temples were built by the giants who resided in Gozo during ancient times. It is said that the temples themselves were used by the giants as watchtowers.