Part of the Maltese archipelago,
Gozo is the second largest island in Malta with an area
of 26 square miles and 34,000 inhabitants. It is more
rural than Malta, but still has a long history of
settlement and cultural development. Many travellers try
to see Gozo as a day-trip from Malta, but more time is
needed to appreciate its many attractions which can be
reached from the capital, Victoria (Ir-Rabat).
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Frequent passages by
car and passenger ferry from Cirkewwa or fast ferry from
Valletta arrive in the harbour of Mgarr, passing the attractive
island of Comino on the way.
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The landscape of Gozo is comprised of rocky hills, terraced
fields and scattered villages. In the autumn, these fields are
lush and green. |
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Above Victoria rises the Citadella, a fortified town inhabited
since the bronze age and adapted by different conquering rulers
over the centuries. All of Gozo can be seen from the Citadella's
ramparts.
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Within the Citadella lie two museums, some
shops and restaurants, and the baroque Cathedral of the
Assumption which serves as an important site for community
events. |
Victoria has a
central historical district with pretty plazas, narrow
cobble-stoned lanes, restored villas and majestic churches.
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St. George's Basilica, called the Golden
Basilica, was built in 1678 on the site of an older Roman
temple. |
Victoria is a modern, progressive, environmentally active city.
The central Villa Rundle Garden attracts and
celebrates pollinators. |
Gozo is the agricultural and
food-production heart of Malta, with a wide variety of produce,
seafood, baking, wines and artisanal delicacies.
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Tucked into this plaza is the "Heart of
Gozo" museum featuring historical and ecclesiastical items, and
an exhibition of works by Gozotan artist Francesco Zahra. |
Ta' Kola, in Ix-Xaghra, houses a folklore museum in one of the few remaining windmills
constructed by the Grand Masters in the Knights' Period.
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UNESCO World Heritage lists 7 megalithic temple sites in Malta
and Gozo. Ggantija is the largest and oldest, constructed before
Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
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Constructed during the 3rd and 4th
Millennia B.C., the neolithic temples are remarkable for their artistry
and construction technique.
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The
Ta Pinu Basilica, located near Gharb, is the national shrine and pilgrimage site
which was constructed
in 1932 on the site of an older chapel in which it is believed
miracles were seen. |
The towns of Gozo still celebrate Fests honoring their patron
saints, when streets are
decorated, people wear traditional clothing, the band clubs play,
and fireworks are set off.
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Throughout Malta, artwork celebrates the
hard-working Gozotans who have survived many hardships and
contributed much to the country.
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Ramla Bay is a rare red sand beach. It, and Marsalforn Beach,
are popular as holiday destinations for Maltese families.
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Fungus Rock is a limestone islet with a unique ecosystem where a medicinal fungus was
harvested by the Knights. |
Gozo has a series of walking trails, such as the one at
Dwerja Bay which provides access for swimming and diving. |
Dwerja is known for its inland sea.
Boats carry passengers through a small tunnel to
open water.
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