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Archaeology in Gozo and Malta Gozo is Calypso’s Isle of Ogygia from Homer’s Odyssey, where the beautiful nymph held Odysseus a prisoner of love for seven years and is a place where legend blends with history. There are Neolithic cave dwellings, a huge temple pre-dating the Giza Pyramids by 1,000 years and an amazing array of monumental Baroque, neo-Gothic and neo- Romanesque churches and basilicas. The oldest man-made temples in the world are to be found on Gozo, along with many other sites on both Gozo and Malta. Because of Gozo's quieter pace and lack of crowds, it makes it the ideal base for exploring the archaeological history. As well as the sites themselves, there are several fascinating museums, including a number within the ancient walls of the citadel in Rabat (Vitoria). Gozo has enough archeological history for a first visit, although for the very keen a day or two in Malta will be very rewarding. Gozo is also ideal for mixed groups - while some are lounging by the pool or playing on the beach, you can head off to explore some of the archeological mysteries of the island. The following are just a few of the many sites to visit: Ggantija Prehistoric Temples - Gozo A group of two very important temples erected side-by-side on the Xaghra plateau. These date back to 3600-4000 BC, which makes them older than the Pyramids in Egypt. Close by, one can also find the 17th century Xaghra Windmill. Ancient Cart-Ruts through solid rock - Gozo and Malta Although they cannot compete with megalithic temples as a tourist attraction, the mystery of the cart-ruts in solid rock has baffled archaeologists, historians and geographers for 100 years. Many locals have never noticed the ruts, or think very little of them, but in most other countries these ruts would be considered part of the national heritage, a visible survival from a distant past when history was in the making. Hagar Qim The original temple was subject to many alterations, but the complex presents many novelties in construction, together with carvings bearing a unique foral motif. Entirely built of the soft globigerina limestone, it contains the largest single stone used in any of the Maltese temples. Hypogeum - Paola This is an ancient underground monument (circa 2,400 BC) 12 metres below street level. It consists of a system of caves, passages and cubicles cut into the stone, similar to the interiors of megalithic temples. For more information on historical sites, visit Heritage Malta. Ghammar Farmhouse is an ideal base from which to explore for groups of archaeologists and for mixed groups. The farmhouse is situated in a peaceful and beautiful spot on the island and is equipped with everything needed for a comfortable holiday. Spacious living areas, a daily maid service, table tennis, a pool and built in barbecue, for when its time to relax.
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Archaeology in Gozo and Malta

Gozo is Calypso’s Isle of Ogygia from Homer’s Odyssey, where the beautiful nymph held Odysseus a prisoner of love for seven years and is a place where legend blends with history. There are Neolithic cave dwellings, a huge temple pre-dating the Giza Pyramids by 1,000 years and an amazing array of monumental Baroque, neo-Gothic and neo- Romanesque churches and basilicas.

The oldest man-made temples in the world are to be found on Gozo, along with many other sites on both Gozo and Malta. Because of Gozo's quieter pace and lack of crowds, it makes it the ideal base for exploring the archaeological history. As well as the sites themselves, there are several fascinating museums, including a number within the ancient walls of the citadel in Rabat (Vitoria).

Gozo has enough archeological history for a first visit, although for the very keen a day or two in Malta will be very rewarding. Gozo is also ideal for mixed groups - while some are lounging by the pool or playing on the beach, you can head off to explore some of the archeological mysteries of the island.

The following are just a few of the many sites to visit:

Ggantija Prehistoric Temples - Gozo

A group of two very important temples erected side-by-side on the Xaghra plateau. These date back to 3600-4000 BC, which makes them older than the Pyramids in Egypt. Close by, one can also find the 17th century Xaghra Windmill.

Ancient Cart-Ruts through solid rock - Gozo and Malta

Although they cannot compete with megalithic temples as a tourist attraction, the mystery of the cart-ruts in solid rock has baffled archaeologists, historians and geographers for 100 years. Many locals have never noticed the ruts, or think very little of them, but in most other countries these ruts would be considered part of the national heritage, a visible survival from a distant past when history was in the making.

Hagar Qim

The original temple was subject to many alterations, but the complex presents many novelties in construction, together with carvings bearing a unique foral motif. Entirely built of the soft globigerina limestone, it contains the largest single stone used in any of the Maltese temples.

Hypogeum - Paola

This is an ancient underground monument (circa 2,400 BC) 12 metres below street level. It consists of a system of caves, passages and cubicles cut into the stone, similar to the interiors of megalithic temples.

For more information on historical sites, visit Heritage Malta.

Ghammar Farmhouse is an ideal base from which to explore for groups of archaeologists and for mixed groups. The farmhouse is situated in a peaceful and beautiful spot on the island and is equipped with everything needed for a comfortable holiday. Spacious living areas, a daily maid service, table tennis, a pool and built in barbecue, for when its time to relax.