Ras ir-Raħeb
Limestone promontory in north western Malta / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ras ir-Raħeb, known also as Ras il-Knejjes is a scenic limestone promontory in north western Malta, close to the hamlet of Baħrija.[1][2] The headland is located in the administrative area of the council of Rabat. Ras ir-Raħeb lies in the north western corner of the Rabat-Dingli-Mdina plateau, just off Fomm ir-Riħ Bay. It rises to 45 metres above sea level.[3] The peak allows views of the west coast of the island, as far as the cliffs of Ta' Ċenċ in Gozo. A wide variety of vegetation grows on the headland, including large populations of esparto grass on the clay slopes in the area.[4] The headland also serves as a navigational marker.[5]
Ras ir-Raħeb (in Maltese) | |
Location | Baħrija, Rabat, Malta |
---|---|
Coordinates | 35°54′24″N 14°19′41″E |
Type | Settlement |
History | |
Periods | Late Bronze–Early Byzantine |
Cultures | Borġ in-Nadur phase, Phoenician, Roman |
Site notes | |
Ownership | Mixed private and public |
Public access | Open |
Partly unexcavated, on headland by sheer cliffs |
The headland incorporates the ruins of a megalithic temple, as well as Punic-Roman remains.[6] Scholars have been arguing about the function of these remains for decades. Interpretations differ from a domestic villa to a small religious shrine, as well as a major temple dedicated to Heracles.[7] The headland is also a popular diving site, which also includes a cave.[8][9][10] The Ras ir-Raħeb coastline forms part of the Rdum Majjiesa to Ras ir-Raħeb marine protected area, the first marine area to be protected in Malta, in 2005.[11][12][13]