One of the most remarkable sets of architectural remains from the European Neolithic, the temples of Malta served as religious shrines for communities who buried their dead in tombs cut into solid rock.
These temples were erected in the Late Neolithic, between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. The shape of the temples is similar to that of the tombs, oval in plan, constructed of large stone blocks, sometimes decorated with spiral designs.
The temples and tombs share many features in common, such as monumental facades, rooms and niches on either side of corridors and courts, some light being provided by small windows or 'portholes'.
About thirty temples are known today with another twelve still to be explored. Although partially contemporary with the megaliths of western and northern Europe, the Maltese temples belong to an entirely separate cultural tradition.
