Mnajdra

The Mnajdra (pronounced ' Imnaidra ') is an outstanding ensemble of temples from the prehistoric Malta. It consists of the twin temples with the typical Maltese large temple maple leaf -shaped, five -piece construction and a separate older, so only three-part temple. The cult site was used by the Żebbuġ - up to the Tarxien phase. The double temple has existed since the Ġgantija phase of temple culture ( 3800 BC). On the Maltese coins of copper-plated steel (1, 2, 5c) is a stylized form of Mnajdra is shown. The temples have been included in the National Inventory of Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.

Location

The Mnajdra located on the southwest coast of Malta, above the Hamrija Bank, on a terrace in the rock slope. Only 500 meters away, on the plateau, is the place of worship Ħaġar Qim. 6000 years ago was here due to the lower water level, the only flat coastal strip on the southwest coast of Malta. The bays gave vessels berthing and allowed to climb to the temple terrace. Over the range of Mnajdra was a short connection to five kilometers away, but tiny 60 m high rock island Filfla, on the finds of prehistoric shards (though from the Chalcolithic period ) were made.

Building materials

The masonry consists of large cut stones or hardly worked quarry stone. The architects chose among the limestone types the purposes for their best of. They were guided on what types of rock are pending in the immediate vicinity of the cult place.

Globin Geriner lime

Globin Geriner limestone is relatively soft and easy to edit. He forms a very durable surface under the action of air and was used with preference in interior design and for the altars, vessels and sculptures.

Coral

The coral limestones are much harder, partly possess crystalline structure and are difficult to edit. They were due to their durability for exterior preferred, but were sometimes ( Ta ' Hagrat ) inside for use.

Südtempel

The Exedra shows the usual concave shape with superior benches. During the entrance close, Outer tract consists mainly of preserved parts, the inner most part is reconstructed. His head niche is very flat and in the left inner vestibule seems the older linear structure, as they are still showing the right apse to have been resolved through conversions. In connection with the later built North Temple in crotch area was a monumental outdoor niche that is covered with a colossal deck plate. An inner connection that niche with the Südtempel indicates a whatsoever use the niche. At some monoliths Decorated with hundreds of point holes is attached.

North Temple

The temple is situated on a terrace, slightly higher than the Südtempel. The exedra is incomplete and has not coordinated with the overall concept Südtempel on. In particular, the inner vestibule are much larger than the Südtempel. Although the niche head is also larger but only not essential. Again structure of left inner vestibule was dissolved by a smaller remodeling. The North Temple has very carefully crafted Trilithons and door stones used.

Older Temple

The East Temple with its three-part structure and the medium-sized niche head was reconstructed ideal-typical. He is the oldest of the place that will have but, as noted in other places by ash had a lead as a place of worship. Building remains of another temple could be the remains of walls next to the left of the niche Südtempels.

1992 Mnajdra was declared jointly with other Bronze Age temples of Malta as the Megalithic Temples of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire facility was extended period of time for visitors locked because a hurricane in the spring of 1994 brought parts of the system to collapse. Meanwhile, the tour is possible. However, in 2009 the entire plant, as well as the neighboring Ħaġar Qim, covered to protect against harmful environmental influences with a permanent tent dome.