| 
Mnajdra.
The group arriving at the site |
|
|
There
is a pair of exceptionally well-preserved temples within
half a kilometre of one another on the cliffs overlooking
the south coast of the island. Mnajdra (pronounced
em-nye-dra) is the lower of the two and consists
of a pair of shrines sharing a single forecourt area.
They were built on different levels and the lower one
is better preserved.
On
Good Friday in 2001 the site suffered one of the worst
acts of vandalism ever perpetrated on an ancient site.
Over 60 stones were damaged, painted with graffitti
and thrown to the ground. The damage has since been
repaired. |
| 
Mnajdra.
The Facade of the Lower Shrine |
|
| The
facade of lower shrine survives to pretty much its full
height and has a particularly imposing entrance. On either
side of the latter were low benches where offerings might
be left. |
| 
Mnajdra.
Pitted decoration on the interior walls surrounding
a niche |
|
| The
interior is decorated with some of the finest examples
of pitting found anywhere in the islands. By this time,
the pits are drilled rather than pecked out of the stone.
Here they can be found on the walls of one of the apses
surroundin a niche with a porthole opening and framed
by a trilithon. |
 |
|
Mnajdra.
Oracle Hole |
| At
Mnajdra, there were large spaces within
the walls with small apertures connecting
to the main room. It is thought that
priests pronounced orcales through them
and so they are known as “oracle
holes.” |
|
Mnajdra.
Interior of Apse 1 |
|
|
|
Hagar
Qim. View of the Temple Facade |
| Hagar
Qim, at the top of the slope, is also very well preserved—the
entrance facade is in particularly good shape (see
above). |
 |
 |
| Hagar
Qim. Oracle Hole |
Hagar
Qim. Porthole |
|
|
| There is nothing better, after exploring
a site than to sit down with friends over a cool beverage
and discuss what you have seen. At Hagar Qim there is
a nice spot overlooking the site. |
Hagar
Qim. A relaxing lunch |
|
| |
| |
