Built before the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, the two temples making up this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site have an extraordinary history. Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, they fell into disuse around 2500 BC and were not fully revealed to the modern eye until the 19th century. The name Ġgantija derives from the word ‘ġgant’, Maltese for giant, as Gozitans used to believe the temples were built by a race of giants. Not so surprising when you see the size of the limestone blocks from which they are constructed. Some of these megaliths exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons. Each temple consists of a number of apses flanking a central corridor. There is evidence that internal walls would have been plastered and painted. The temples have a large terrace at the front which would probably have been used for ceremonial gatherings. Remains of animal bones suggest some sort of ritual involving animal sacrifice and the use of fire is evidenced by the presence of stone hearths. A small number of statuettes and other prehistoric objects found at Ġgantija can be seen in the Gozo Museum of Archaeology. 

For admission to the Ġgantija Temples in Summer, between 4:30pm and 5:30pm:  Adults 18-59 years old: €6.00; Youths 12-17 years old: €4.50, Senior Citizens 60+ years: €4.50, Students: €4.50, Children 6-11 years old: €3.00; Infants 1-5 years old: Free.

Closed on the 24th, 25th & 31st December, 1st January & Good Friday.