Mnajdra

Mnajdra
Niche at the Mnajdra South Temple
Mnajdra is located in Malta
Mnajdra
Location within Malta
LocationQrendi, Malta
Coordinates35°49′36″N 14°26′11″E / 35.82667°N 14.43639°E / 35.82667; 14.43639
TypeTemple
History
MaterialLimestone
Foundedc.3600 BC–c.3200 BC
PeriodsĠgantija phase
Tarxien phase
Site notes
Excavation dates1840–1954
ArchaeologistsJ. G. Vance
Themistocles Zammit
John Davies Evans
ConditionWell-preserved ruins
OwnershipGovernment of Malta
ManagementHeritage Malta
Public accessYes
WebsiteHeritage Malta
Part ofMegalithic Temples of Malta
CriteriaCultural: (iv)
Reference132ter-003
Inscription1980 (4th Session)
Extensions1992, 2015
Area0.563 ha (60,600 sq ft)

Mnajdra (Maltese: L-Imnajdra) is a megalithic temple complex found on the southern coast of the Mediterranean island of Malta. Mnajdra is approximately 497 metres (544 yd) from the Ħaġar Qim megalithic complex. Mnajdra was built around the fourth millennium BCE; the Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth,[1] described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces."[2] In 1992 UNESCO recognized the Mnajdra complex and four other Maltese megalithic structures as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[3] In 2009, work was completed on a protective tent.[4]

  1. ^ "Malta Temples and The OTS Foundation". Otsf.org. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  2. ^ from the Reports of the 4th (1980) and the 16th (1992) Sessions of the Committee
  3. ^ "Megalithic Temples of Malta - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". Whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  4. ^ "Prehistoric temples get futuristic roof". Times of Malta. 7 April 2009. Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 2 July 2009.