Hagar Qim

Hagar Qim is a massive megalithic temple complex that dates in between 3600-3200 BCE. Located on the island of Malta, the temple complex is a masterpiece and one of the world’s major religious sites. In addition the Hagar Qim is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is situated on the top of a hill and was built using globigerina limestone which is also Malta’s second oldest rock. The temple features two massive rocks at the entrance and it also features a massive wall and forecourt.

The temple complex features a main temple and three other additional buildings. Built between 3600-3200 BC the entry at the outer block features six massive chambers and the wall here is built of large stones. The main sites in the complex are:

Temple Forecourt
The temples forecourt features irregular slabs in front of the outer wall. The floor features large blocks of stones and floor here looks similar to the forecourt in Mnajdra’s southern temple.

Dwelling Houses and Bastion
The dwelling houses are a group of small sized stones. The bastion here borders the temple with massive stone blocks. The wall here is about 20 meters long and it features a massive stone that weighs about 57 tons.

Northern Temple
It is the oldest block in the temples complex. It features a secondary doorway and three layers of flooring. In addition a number of stone balls are seen on the walls and also these balls serve as the foundation for the temples complex.

Women’s Chamber
The Women’s Chamber features a rectangular slab and a stone pillar. The chamber features an Oracle hole which is used for transmitting sound in those days. In addition the remains of several blocks can also be seen in the present days on this site.

Main Temple
The temples entrance measures about 14.3 meters long with massive slab walls. The temples interior is entirely different compared to the temples of that period and it features stone altars and smooth blocks. These objects were discovered in the year 1839 and it can be seen at the Valletta museum.

The Watering Place
It is situated on the top of a hill close to the temples complex. It features seven reservoirs where three rivers consist of water and the remaining are dry.

Hagar Qim