Numerous threats face Xagħra, home of Malta's most important prehistoric sites: The Ġgantija Temple, The Santa Verna Temple, and The Xagħra Circle.
March 2021 saw a new threat to our beautiful archaeological heritage. A proposal to build 31 flats and 20 underground garages next to the Ġgantija Temples (c. 3,600-3,200 BCE ) was filed with the Planning Authority. We launched a campaign against it, and the news went international, with The Times of London and World Heritage Watch reporting. As of September 2022, there are three more applications for development around the temple's periphery! Click here to see how the views around the site may be impacted. The matter has been referred to Heritage Malta, and we certainly hope they can protect the skyscape as well as the landscape!
The Xagħra Circle, a ten minute walk from Ġgantija, is being subjected to vandalism. This area, in particular, is open and not protected.
SANTA VERNA
In May 2022, MALTA-ARCH reported construction upon a fragile cave system only a few meters away from the Santa Verna temple. It is impossible to believe that the Neolithic people did not utilize this area. The large caves are situated directly in front of a fresh water source, and arable land, that is still farmed, is on top and all around it.
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As of June 2022, the Planning Authority has temporarily halted the construction while they launch a further investigation, but we would like a complete stop to all potential development. No further damage to the site should be permitted until a proper analysis of the soil, which contains important archaeological information, can occur
