Malta stone circles, prehistoric temples and other attractions

Malta stone circles and ancient structures, ranking among the oldest architectural feats in the world. Scientists estimate that humanity’s journey on Earth began hundreds of thousands of years ago, and the Maltese people played a significant role in this story.

Initially, humans relied on simple tools to make their lives easier. Over time, they refined and invented new tools. Fire, stone blades, and other inventions of the time significantly impacted human lives. They were used for hunting, resolving conflicts, and simplifying daily tasks. Life became progressively easier and more comfortable. Occupying a higher position in the local food chain ensured greater safety and access to food.

Eventually, the concept of leisure time emerged. It was during this period that people began to tap into their creativity and pursue ambitious ideas. The construction of the awe-inspiring stone circles and ancient structures in Malta stand as a testament to their ingenuity and technological advancement.

These imposing structures demonstrate the remarkable skills of the people who built them. Constructing such massive structures without modern tools and technology demanded extensive knowledge, meticulous planning, and hard work.

Maltese stone circles and ancient structures not only stand as a testament to human ingenuity and technological advancement, but also serve as a monument to the past and inspire reflection on the evolution of humanity and its culture.

The greatest things happen when people are bored

Driven by curiosity about the world around them, our ancestors began asking questions and seeking explanations. Keen individuals saw an opportunity to gain power and influence, offering their own fabricated answers. This is how priests emerged, and with them, religion.

For the first time, humans encountered something intangible, something they couldn’t touch or see, yet were willing to defend even through violence. With religion came places of worship, and today I want to tell you about one such place.

Recently, I shared an account of a trip to the enigmatic stone structures on Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands. Over millennia, this small island saw the construction of hundreds of massive, for their time, megaliths with a still-undeciphered purpose.

A complex of megalithic temples in Malta

Following the trail of ancient builders, who led us from the stone circles in Odry in Poland, to the impressive Stonehenge in England. We have arrived at one of the oldest man-made stone temples in the world: the Mnajdra complex in Malta.

These prehistoric megaliths, dating from 3600 to 2500 BC, stand as a testament to the remarkable skills and advanced culture of the island’s inhabitants at that time. While earlier structures likely existed, they haven’t survived the test of time.

The Mnajdra complex is in the southwestern part of Malta, in a picturesque and sparsely urbanized setting. Accessibility is excellent: a convenient road with a large car park leads to the complex, and public buses also run there. Finding a parking spot during peak season can be challenging, but that’s a typical problem in crowded Malta.

What awaits you at the Mnajdra complex

• Three main temples built with massive stone blocks, meticulously arranged without mortar.
• The oldest temple, dating back to 3600 BC, boasts an impressive entrance portal and an apse with an altar.
• The middle temple, constructed around 3200 BC, is well-known for its precisely carved ornaments and megaliths arranged in a “D” shape.
• The youngest temple, erected around 2500 BC, features impressive dimensions and intricate decorations.

The Significance of Mnajdra in Malta

Mnajdra is not only imposing prehistoric structures but also a place of immense cultural and historical significance. The complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980 and remains one of Malta’s most essential landmarks.

Visiting Mnajdra is a true journey through time, allowing us to uncover the secrets of a prehistoric civilization and admire the impressive skills of the ancient builders.

Malta stone circles and prehistoric temples tour in Malta

Before embarking on our journey into the distant past, we need to secure tickets and visit the small museum. It houses a wealth of information about Maltese megaliths and details about the temples themselves.

It’s astounding to realize that these impressive megaliths were constructed from hard stone in an era before metal was known. The enormous boulders were shaped using other stones – in essence, the tools needed to be harder than the rock they were working with. The museum even features a model with various materials where you can try your hand at this ancient construction technique. Trust me, it wasn’t an easy feat!

Imagine the largest of these hewn stones – weighing 20 tons and measuring nearly 6.5 meters long and 3 meters tall. This gives you a glimpse of the immense undertaking involved, and it’s just one of the hundreds of stone blocks in the vicinity!

Exiting the museum, we can proceed to the archaeological site and marvel at the fully restored stone buildings.

Prehistoric temples in Malta and additional attractions

• Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs surrounding the complex.
• The opportunity to walk among prehistoric ruins and appreciate the craftsmanship of ancient builders.
• Unraveling the fascinating history and significance of Maltese megaliths.

Malta stone circles and Hagar Qim building in Malta

Hagar Qim, visible from afar, impresses with its monumental form. The entire complex is sheltered by an impressive umbrella made of durable material, protecting the stone megaliths from wind and weather.

The visual effect is striking, especially considering that the complex has been fully restored to its former glory. Special walkways allow visitors to explore the stone chambers, which house original sculptures, altars, and decorated stones of unknown purpose.

Recalling the primitive technology of stonework, where tools were made from other stones, we appreciate the impressive craftsmanship of the builders even more.

This place originally served as a temple dedicated to the most important deities of the time – the Sun and the changing seasons. During the summer and winter solstices, the sun’s rays, entering through cleverly positioned openings in the rocks, illuminated the interior of the temple with a golden glow, bathing the people, walls, and statues inside. Standing in the main chamber today, one can almost feel the solemnity of those magical moments from thousands of years ago.

After spending over half an hour exploring the stone chambers, we enjoyed a picnic on the sun-baked, dry ground near Hagar Qim before continuing our journey.

Interesting Facts about Hagar Qim in Malta

• Hagar Qim is one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world.
• The complex was discovered accidentally in 1839.
• Numerous artefacts have been unearthed within the temple grounds, including figurines of deities, tools, and jewellery.

Mnajdra temple on the Cliff’s Edgein in Malta

The path now leads us towards the sea, where another temple, Mnajdra, stands proudly on high cliffs. Similar to Hagar Qim, it’s protected by a material stretched above it. Here, we can clearly see how the builders utilized the surrounding terrain when planning the layout of the temples. The small islet of Filfla, located near the Maltese coast, played a role in the spectacle that took place during both solstices.

Mnajdra itself is awe-inspiring, and its charm is further enhanced by its location. Built almost on the edge of a high cliff, it offers breathtaking views of the turquoise sea dotted with rocks below.

The entire group of Maltese temples is remarkably well-preserved, even in excellent condition considering their age. This is primarily thanks to the efforts of UNESCO, which oversees their protection, and the immense support of the European Union, which has allocated significant funds to help preserve this extraordinary historical heritage for future generations.

It’s estimated that the megaliths were built between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. However, archaeological research suggests that an even older structure existed here, dating back to over 5,000 BC! For comparison, the oldest pyramid in Egypt was built in 2600 BC. This means that the first construction works in Malta began over 2,000 years before the establishment of Caral in Peru’s Barranca, considered the world’s oldest city. The Maltese structures predate the Old Testament, and the God of Christians, Jews, or Arabs wasn’t even a concept yet.

Interesting Facts about Mnajdra temple in Malta

• Mnajdra is one of the best-preserved Maltese megalithic temples.
• During the summer solstice, the sun’s rays enter through an opening in the temple wall and illuminate the altar.
• Numerous artefacts have been discovered near the temple, including figurines of deities, tools, and jewellery.

Malta stone circles summary of the visit to megalithic temples in Malta

I’ve heard some people say that the prehistoric megaliths of Malta are only interesting to historians and archaeology enthusiasts. I strongly disagree! My wife Magda and I believe that this place can be a wonderful playground for anyone with even a slightly above-average imagination.

Malta’s megalithic temples are not just impressive stone structures. They are a time machine to an era when our ancestors began to build monumental structures without using metal tools 7,000 years ago. Imagine their effort, ingenuity, and determination!

Entering one of these temples, we can feel the magic of those times. Standing in a place where rituals and ceremonies took place thousands of years ago, we can unleash our imagination and transport ourselves to that world.

Malta’s megaliths are not just prehistory. They are a testament to human creativity and cooperation. They are proof that even with primitive tools, impressive results can be achieved.

We encourage everyone visiting Malta to visit these extraordinary places. It’s not just a history lesson, but also a great adventure for the whole family.

Why visit the Maltese megaliths in Malta

• Impressive size and construction: The temples are built from huge stone blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons. How were they placed there without using cranes?
• Prehistoric technology: See how our ancestors worked stone without using metal tools.
• Magical atmosphere: Feel the magic of those times, standing in a place where rituals and ceremonies took place thousands of years ago.
• Time travel: Imagine the life of people 7,000 years ago.
• A great adventure for the whole family: Spark your children’s imagination and let them travel to the world of prehistoric builders.

Malta stone circles practical advice and useful information

Below are some tips that cause the damage that occurs in Malta.

• The facility is open from 9:00 to 17:00 all year round, while during summer, it’s open from 9:00 to 19:00.
• The ticket price is 10 euros per person.
• Buses of lines 35, 38, and 138 from the entire island stop here.
• During the peak season, it’s advisable to purchase tickets online for a specific day. This way, you’ll avoid queues and ensure entry.
• All areas in the facility are wheelchair accessible, and electric carts are available to move between the museum and all the attractions as needed.

Malta stone circles facts, information, and curiosities about megaliths in Malta

• The first traces of stone working in Malta date back almost 7,000 years, making them older than the pyramids in Giza and the famous Stonehenge in England.
• The megalithic structures in Malta are considered the oldest buildings made by human hands that have survived to this day.
• The temples can be admired from the sea by taking boats departing from the nearby Blue Grotto bay.
• Some in the scientific community believe that initially, the culture in Malta was dominated by women, who held all the important roles. Men supposedly played a secondary role.
• The ruins were discovered in the 19th century, but initially, they were mistaken for remains of Roman settlements and completely disregarded.
• The prehistoric structures in Malta are not just random piles of rocks. All the worked stones were carefully fitted together, and the entire arrangement is set to maintain established proportions and directions.
• Some claim that human sacrifices were made on the stone altars, but there is no evidence to support this.
• It has been proven that all the structures in Malta, besides their religious function, served as an ancient calendar and sundial.
• During those times, the people of Malta developed art, architecture, and advanced astronomy, but they had no knowledge of warfare and combat. Thus, they were not a formidable opponent for aggressive invaders from the mainland who conquered the island over 4,000 years ago.

Polish version