Hagar Qim is a megalithic temple complex in Malta, dating back to around 3600–3200 BC, and is one of the world’s oldest religious sites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
Location: Qrendi, southern Malta, on a ridge overlooking the sea.Date: Built during the Ggantija phase (c. 3600–3200 BC).
Material: Constructed from globigerina limestone, a soft stone that has weathered over millennia.
UNESCO Status: Part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, inscribed in 1980 and extended in 1992 and 2015.
Name Meaning: Hagar Qim translates to “Standing/Worshipping Stones.”
Hagar Qim, together with nearby Mnajdra temples (500m downhill), forms a sacred landscape tied to seasonal rituals and community gatherings.
The site embodies Malta’s prehistoric resilience and creativity, linking natural geography (ridge, fertile plain, sea views) with spiritual meaning.
Today, it is a major heritage attraction, with a visitor centre and interpretive displays managed by Heritage Malta.
The site embodies Malta’s prehistoric resilience and creativity, linking natural geography (ridge, fertile plain, sea views) with spiritual meaning.
Today, it is a major heritage attraction, with a visitor centre and interpretive displays managed by Heritage Malta.
