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All Malta Xagħra Sansuna’s Rock
AO Edited

Sansuna’s Rock

Local legend associates this large limestone chunk with a giantess, but archeologists say it may be the remains of a neolithic burial chamber.

Xagħra, Malta

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Sansuna’s Rock.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
Sansuna’s Rock.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
Sansuna’s Rock.   Dark Nebula Deluxe / Atlas Obscura User
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About

While the town of Xagħra on Malta’s island of Gozo is best known for the neolithic site of Ġgantija, its not the only one in town. Another lesser-known neolithic spot is located within a small courtyard on the north side of Xagħra. The 13-foot-long limestone rock monument is commonly referred to as Sansuna’s Rock, named after the mythological giantess Sansuna, who could carry a megalith in one arm while carrying her child in the other. Local legends say she built Ġgantija.

While archaeological investigations have found that the site was in use during the neolithic period, the exact purpose of Sansuna’s Rock is unclear. It may have served as a dolmen (burial chamber), some speculate. Despite its mysterious significance, the Maltese government has recognized the importance of the site, making it a Scheduled Monument maintained by Heritage Malta.

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Mythology Archaeology Rocks Neolithic

Know Before You Go

While it is not possible to enter the courtyard containing Sansuna’s Rock, you can see the rock through the fence surrounding the site. The monument is located to the northwest of Xagħra’s main square on Gnien Imrik.

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Dark Nebula Deluxe

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cjklever

  • cjklever

Published

January 30, 2025

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Sources
  • https://etc.worldhistory.org/travel/malta-islands-of-giants/
  • https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=10380
  • https://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/11660/gebla-ta-sansuna
  • https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/hagra-ta-sansuna/
Sansuna’s Rock
21 Gnien Imrik
Xagħra
Malta
36.052918, 14.260256
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Nearby Places

Xerri’s Grotto

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Ninu’s Cave

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Ta' Kola Windmill

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Xagħra

Xagħra

Malta

Places 6

Nearby Places

Xerri’s Grotto

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Ninu’s Cave

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Ta' Kola Windmill

Xagħra, Malta

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Xagħra

Xagħra

Malta

Places 6

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