Santa Verna

Santa Verna is a megalithic site in Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta [1]. The site was originally occupied by a village and a megalithic temple [1]. The site takes its name from a chapel dedicated to Saint Venera that once stood close to the temple [1]. Santa Verna was originally a prehistoric village, and the earliest pottery remains date back to around 5000 BC, during the Għar Dalam phase [1]. The temple itself was built in the following centuries and it had a trefoil shape, which was typical of the time [1]. The only remains of the temple that survive today are three upright megaliths, another three horizontal blocks lining their eastern side, and the earth floor which makes it possible to see the temple's original outline [1]. The site was excavated in 1911 by Thomas Ashby and R. N. Bradley [1]. During the excavations, two complete skeletons and several incomplete ones were found, including one of a child [1].