Museums and Heritage Sites

HAGAR QIM TEMPLES

This megalithic (a Greek word meaning large stone) temple site lies close
to the Mnajdra Temples on the south west of the island.

Hagar Qim (meaning 'erect stones') was built in stages during the phases known as
Ggantija, Saflieni (3600 - 3000 BC) and Tarxien (3000BC – 2500 BC). It was the
first temple site to be excavated just over 150 years ago. This site is hard to
understand as it has a different layout to many of the other sites.

There are four temples. The main complex has two entrances, a number of added
chambers, which include an 'oracle room', and altars. The fat lady or 'Venus of Malta'
was found here.  This supports the theory that a fertility goddess was worshipped. One
huge stone is the largest quarried on Malta. The site would have been visible from
afar.