Buġibba Temple

The Archaeological Significance of Buġibba Temple

Site Description

The Buġibba Temple, a megalithic structure located on the border of Buġibba and Qawra towns within the limits of St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, represents a significant archaeological site from the Tarxien phase of Maltese prehistory. Despite its relatively small size, the temple’s remnants offer valuable insights into the architectural and religious practices of prehistoric Malta. The temple, constructed from coralline limestone, features a distinctive façade, a trilithon entrance, and a corridor leading to a central area with three apses. Notably, part of the temple’s original floor has survived at the back of the site. However, much of the structure has been lost over time, primarily due to agricultural activities that leveled the area.

Excavations and Discoveries

The discovery of the Buġibba Temple can be attributed to the Maltese archaeologist Themistocles Zammit in the 1920s, following his identification of large stones in a field near Qawra Point. Subsequent excavations led by Zammit and L. J. Upton Way in 1928, and later surveys and minor excavations in the 1950s, have contributed to our understanding of the site’s chronology and significance.

Among the notable findings from these excavations are two decorated stone blocks. The first, a carved square block, likely served as an altar and features intricate carvings, including opposed spirals in relief and V-shaped motifs. The second block, rectangular in shape, is adorned with carved fish on two of its faces. These artifacts, now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, provide valuable insights into the artistic and religious expressions of the temple’s builders.

Modern Context

In a development that underscores the challenges of preserving historical sites in the face of modernization, the Dolmen Resort Hotel was constructed around the Buġibba Temple. The temple was incorporated into the hotel’s grounds, near its swimming pools, making it accessible to visitors but also raising concerns about the preservation of Malta’s megalithic heritage.

Conclusion

The Buġibba Temple serves as a poignant reminder of Malta’s rich prehistoric past. Despite the loss of much of its original structure, the temple’s remaining elements, along with the artifacts recovered from excavations, offer valuable insights into the architectural practices, artistic expressions, and religious beliefs of the island’s ancient inhabitants. The integration of the temple into the modern landscape of the Dolmen Resort Hotel presents both opportunities and challenges for the preservation and interpretation of this significant archaeological site.

Sources:

Wikipedia
Cultural Heritage