Malta: Gozo

Gozo is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, one of 21 that make up the Maltese archipelago. Inhabited for thousands of years, it shows evidence of historic immigration and rule by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British, among others. It’s known for its Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins, rural hiking paths, beaches and scuba-diving sites.

🙂 The Citadel. Beautiful turquoise water.

🙁 Nothing negative to report.

THREE things we did not know about Gozo:

  1. There are still residents living in the citadel … The number is less than 10 and it is diminishing… and it is owned by our daughter’s good friends family – to say that your home lies within a magnificent fortified city which has been occupied by man since prehistoric times is quite impressive.
  2. Back in 1887, the capital of Gozo ‘Rabat’ was changed to ‘Victoria’ in remembrance of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. This took place after a petition (signed by 68 of Gozo’s most affluent people) was presented to the Queen herself. However, the name never really stuck. In fact, till this day locals still prefer calling it Rabat.
  3. There are 46 churches but only 15 villages!

We had a great time in Gozo. The hilltop castle of La Cittadella is a beautiful structure that has been at the fulcrum of Gozitan history for centuries. Serving as a refuge and defence for the island’s people since the medieval period, it has witnessed countless sackings, invasions and uprisings over the years. In the Visitors’ Centre you can buy a €5 ticket that gives you access to all the museums inside the grounds. In this building you can also see a brilliant 360° audiovisual show depicting the history of the complex. Within the grounds there is a lot to explore; your ticket gives you access to the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House, the Old Prison, and the Natural Science Museum.

On our way back we stopped at the famed Gleneagles Bar for a drink. Built in 1732, Gleneagles Bar is a Gozitan landmark with iconic status located next to the Ferry port in Mgarr. It is one of the best-known bars on the Maltese islands and has an ornate maritime theme and lots of history on the walls. Run by brothers Tony and Sammy, loved by locals, it is one of the first places you see when you enter Gozo by ferry and has excellent views of the marina from the balcony. Either make this your first or last stop to and from Gozo or while away the hours with the perfect view and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere with live music and DJs every other week. It’s open from 3 pm till late every day.

Leave a Reply

Continue Exploring

Malta