Malta: The Old

January 28, 2011

So in addition to hiking every day, we also visited some of the oldest standing structures in the world. Older than the pyramids! Older than Stonehenge! The temples on Malta and Gozo are big, old, and beautiful. These megalithic structures are a bit mind boggling, especially since there are so many sites and they are all strategically placed with stunning vistas and precise relationships to the seasonal equinoxes. And there are still plenty of mysteries surrounding their existence. I kind of like the fact that despite all of our fancy modern technology and knowledge, there are still some unknowns in this world. 

We visited Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ggantija. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra can be seen together and there is a nice, little museum at the entrance to these sites. They are in a stunning location and if it is a nice day be sure to leave some extra time for hiking around the area. The only disappointing aspect is that both of the temple areas have recently been covered with a protective awning. I understand the need to prevent erosion, but it wasn't quite as picturesque as the images presented in the guide books.  Ggantija is located on  the island of Gozo. It is a smaller site, but still quite impressive and not covered. Also, if you are traveling with kids there is a small playground and soccer field just before the entrance to the Ggantija temple. When we return to Malta we hope to visit the Hypogeum (and we'll be sure to buy our tickets in advance). Prior to our visit, I had no idea Malta had such an ancient history, did you?
GBK Gwyneth said...

No, I didn't! And while I've wanted to visit Malta since stopping at their "open house" during EU Day in DC a couple years back, now I want to go more than ever!! Thanks for sharing your trip!

Kymri / Mira Terra said...

Great photos, thank you for sharing some insight into Malta! Have always wanted to go!

Dina said...

Beautiful shots!! :))

LindyLouMac said...

I already want to visit Malta, now thanks to your posts even more so!

Myra said...

Malta is on my "must see" list. Love the tip about the closest playground - always helpful when traveling with kids. Exquisite photos!

Sonja said...

My European relatives all love to vacation in Malta. I'd like to see it too!

se7en said...

I am loving your trip to Malta!!! Thank-you!!!

Tara Holmes said...

Malta has always seemed so mysterious and exotic to me...gosh, I sound sooo lamely mid-western :s You asked on my blog where we were currently stationed--my hubby is currently in San Antonio until mid-April and I am 1,300 miles away in our hometown. He is a corpsman getting secondary training as a BHT (behavioral health technician). I should know by the end of February the location of our next move. Looking forward to being under the same roof as him, as we've only spent 2 weeks together over the holidays and a handful of random weekends since getting married (ugh). Love the Malta story!! Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure :D

Heather said...

Wow. I had no idea. Fascinating links and lovely photos!

S.E.Minegar said...

Love your photos!

karen said...

What a great trip to Malta you had! Thanks for sharing your tips and we were just talking about trying to visit ourselves this spring!

jann said...

It's great to see your take on Malta. I hadn't really been that eager to go before I read your posts. Thank you so much for the insights & great pix!

Cami said...

I had no idea about Malta at all, so it's safe to say I didn't know about the history! It looks amazing! I want to go!

Европе said...

Your blogs arouse my interests in travelling !

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