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Gozo Day Trip: Exploring Gozo’s Ancient Ggantija Temples
Gozo is an island that’s part of the Republic of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta’s stunning landscape and rich archaeological sites have made the small Mediterranean nation a popular tourist destination. In particular, many visitors to Gozo make a pilgrimage to visit the remains of the Ggantija temples, considered to be the oldest free-standing megalithic monuments in the world. Here’s a guide to explore these remarkable ancient sites on a Gozo day trip.
What Are The Ggantija Temples?
The Ggantija temples are two megalithic temples dating to the Neolithic era, located on Gozo. These two complex temples are estimated to have been constructed between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, making them one of the oldest known freestanding structures in the world. Together, they have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and are considered one of Malta’s most popular archeological sites. The two temples, both of which are nearly identical in structure, consist of two main chambers – an oval forecourt and a hemi-circular rear chamber. These walls of the structures were constructed with massive coralline boulders measuring up to 2.4m in diameter. The builders of these temples are also thought to have used tree trunks to raise the numerous upright stone slabs (around five meters high!) that form the walls and ceilings, a remarkable feat considering the limited technological methods that were commonly used during this period. Due to their remarkable age, the Ggantija temples were accorded a special religious significance in ancient times and people likely worshipped here for thousands of years until the arrival of the Knights Templar in 1291. Although it’s unclear precisely what these temples were used for, it’s believed that they served a religious purpose such as a place for human sacrifice or an ancestral worship.
Exploring Gozo’s Ancient Temples
A Gozo Day Trip is an ideal way to experience this ancient site and learn more about Maltese history. On this day trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore many of Gozo’s most notable attractions, including three stops to discover the Ggantija temples. The first stop will be at the Xaghra Paleocastell ruins, an important archaeological site from Neolithic times as well as a precursor to the Ggantija monuments. This particular site yielded many artefacts that helped researchers understand how Malta’s early settlers lived at the time. The second stop is at the Gozo Museum of Archeology where you can understand these ruins and megaliths in further detail with its interactive displays and a model replica of one of the Gozo temples.The last stop is at the actual site of the Ggantija Temples where you can get a first-hand experience of its structure and age-old architecture. On this site, visitors will have access to a café, restrooms, and souvenir shop where they can shop for unique souvenirs and items related to Maltese history.
Tips For Visiting The Ggantija Temples
When planning a Gozo day trip, there are certain things you should bear in mind:
- Bring plenty of water: It can get hot in the summer months, especially when visiting outdoors, so make sure you bring enough water when exploring Malta’s historical sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Some of the sites you’ll visit on your trip may require a bit of walking, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes.
- Avoid peak times: Malta is a popular tourist destination in the summer, so if possible try to avoid peak times when planning your visit.
Tours For Exploring The Ggantija Temples
If you’re looking for a convenient way to explore the Ggantija Temples, there are several tour operators who offer guided day trips in Gozo that include visits to the ancient monuments as well as other attractions on the island. These guides will offer insight into the history of these temples, as well as information on current archaeological works in progress. One popular tour is offered by GetYourGuide, which includes a full-day tour that takes visitors on an exploration of Gozo and its ancient sites, including a stop at one of Malta’s oldest sites -the Ggantija temples. The tour usually also includes visits to Ramla Bay and Ġnejna Bay as well as other attractions on Gozo such as Dwejra Tower and Dwejra Bay, before heading back to Malta for an unforgettable day experience. Visiting these ancient sites offers an up-close look at the remains of an ancient civilisation and provides an insight into Malta’s intriguing cultural past. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic monuments or just want an opportunity to appreciate Malta’s breathtaking landscapes, a Tour to Gozo is worth considering. For an unforgettable day out with friends or family, book your GetYourGuide Gozo tour today!
