Built over a 1,000 year period from between 3,600BC- 2,500BC, the development of Mnajdra shows a range of architectural interpretations around the basic lay-out of central passageway leading to semicircular chambers.

Reuben Grima discusses the varied stages of the temple building

Spatial Organisation

The arrangement of separate zones, intramural rooms and hidden side niches creates a complex internal arrangement based on the principles of circularity and enclosure. From bar or rope holes in doorway uprights it is regarded that chambers were opened and closed at different times – emphasising a relationship between public and private. This organisation suggests patterns of inclusion and exclusion, which have been associated with seasonal or ceremonial activity, initiation rituals, transference of knowledge from experts and rites of passage.

Temple roofing

It is believed that the temples were originally, partially, if not, fully roofed. The South Temple in particular shows evidence of corbelling – where the limestone blocks are added in courses to the inward sloping walls to progressively reduce the space. The overhanging blocks may have extended to the roof and then been capped with some form of covering. Archaeologists have suggested either limestone capping or beams of wood to form an arch. Other models of roofed chambers and open passageways have also been suggested.

Movement

The design of the temples marked out by doorways, semi-circular rooms, central passageways and portholes creates a surprising complex internal articulation. The doorways and niches that define the structures are created in both monumental and miniature scale with delineated entrances that draw attention to the moment of transition. Entrances marked with pitting and framed by lintels or openings cut into solid limestone require a variety of movement – walking up stairs, stepping over thresholds or stooping into small side chambers. All of this creates for the visitor the sensation of complicated movement through intricately defined spaces and a sensory awareness of the materiality of the limestone.