Ħaġar Qim

Ħaġar Qim and the adjacent Mnajdra complex on Malta's southern coastal plateau are among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures, built between 3600 and 2500 BCE from local coralline and globigerina limestone and predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Mnajdra lower temple is astronomically aligned so that the equinox sunrise illuminates its central axis and the solstice sunrises mark the edges of its threshold stone, demonstrating an advanced calendar knowledge. Protective tent shelters now cover both complexes to preserve them from weathering.