Ta' Cenc Dolmens

Stone tombs above the abyss

On the limestone plateau of Ta' Cenc, just tens of metres from the edge of 120-metre cliffs, stand two dolmens from the Tarxien Cemetery phase, dated to approximately 2500-700 BC. Dolmens are simple megalithic structures: a horizontal capstone resting on two or three vertical pillars, forming a burial chamber. One of the Ta' Cenc dolmens is in excellent condition.

Mysterious cart ruts

Alongside the dolmens run "cart ruts", pairs of parallel grooves cut into the bedrock with a standard gauge of about 1.41 metres. Hundreds of such ruts exist across Malta and Gozo, yet scientists remain uncertain of their origin. Research published in 2008 suggests they were gouged by wooden-wheeled carts eroding soft limestone. Dating ranges from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.

Archaeological significance

Ta' Cenc is one of the few sites on Gozo where dolmens and cart ruts appear side by side, suggesting intensive prehistoric use of the area. The zone also includes remains of the Borg l-Imramma megalithic temple from the Mgarr phase (c. 3800-3600 BC).

Practical tip: The dolmens are hard to find without a guide. Look for the stone information plaque on the right side of the path, about 15 minutes from the Ta' Cenc hotel. Go in the morning for the best light.