Xagħra Circle
Xagħra, Gozo, Malta
Duration
Museum visit: 45 minutes
Entry
The site is not open to the public; finds are displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Hours
Site not open to the public — visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology for finds
An underground prehistoric burial complex in Xagħra, one of the most important archaeological finds in Maltese prehistory, with thousands of human remains.
Local Tip
The site itself is not open to the public, but finds from the excavations are displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology — visit there first.
The Xagħra Circle, also known as the Brochtorff Circle, is an underground prehistoric burial complex in Xagħra, Gozo, dating to the Ġgantija and Tarxien phases (roughly 3600–2500 BC). It is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Maltese prehistory. Excavations in the 1980s and 1990s revealed a natural cave system adapted for collective burial, containing the remains of hundreds of individuals along with grave goods including pottery, stone tools, shell beads and carved figurines.
The finds from the Xagħra Circle have transformed understanding of Maltese prehistoric funerary practices and social organisation. The site itself is not open to the public — it has been backfilled for preservation — but the most important finds are displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology in the Cittadella, which is the best way to appreciate the significance of this remarkable site.
⭐ Highlights
- ✓Underground prehistoric burial complex (c.3600–2500 BC)
- ✓One of the most important archaeological finds in Maltese prehistory
- ✓Remains of hundreds of individuals with grave goods and figurines
- ✓Transformed understanding of Maltese prehistoric funerary practices
- ✓Finds displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology
How to Get There
The Xagħra Circle site is in Xagħra, Gozo, but is not open to visitors. To see the finds, visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology in the Cittadella, Victoria, reachable by bus from across Gozo.
Open in Google MapsBest Time to Visit
The site itself is not open — visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology to see the finds. The museum is open daily; check Heritage Malta for current times.
Visitor Tips
- 💡The site is not open to the public — it has been backfilled for preservation
- 💡Visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology to see the finds
- 💡Combine with the nearby Ġgantija Temples for a full prehistoric Xagħra tour
- 💡The museum provides the context to understand this remarkable site
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Ggantija Temples, Gozo
- Gozo Museum of Archaeology
- In-Nuffara
- Ta' Kola Windmill
- Xerri's Grotto
Xagħra Circle — Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Xagħra Circle free?
Entry to Xagħra Circle costs The site is not open to the public; finds are displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology.
How long should I spend at Xagħra Circle?
We recommend spending around Museum visit: 45 minutes at Xagħra Circle to see the highlights.
What are the opening hours of Xagħra Circle?
Xagħra Circle is open: Site not open to the public — visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology for finds.
Where is Xagħra Circle in Malta?
Xagħra Circle is located in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta.
What's the best tip for visiting Xagħra Circle?
The site itself is not open to the public, but finds from the excavations are displayed at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology — visit there first.
