If you’ve visited Gozo you’ll know that Gozo has some spectacular natural sights, such as the towering cliffs of Ta’ Cenc, as well as some fascinating ancient heritage, including the 5,000 year-old UNESCO World Heritage Ġgantija temple complex and the medieval Citadel.
But Gozo also has some lesser-known attractions including some small museums which you might otherwise overlook. We’ve chosen five intriguing examples that are well worth a visit and help to provide a deeper insight into Gozo’s past.
Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum
Address: Parish Street, Nadur, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21565226, (+356) 21551649
Entrance fees: €2 for adults & €1 for children
Closed 1 November 2018 for winter. Reopens Spring 2019
The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum, Gozo. Photo credit: VisitGozo.com
Where in Gozo can you expect to see a piece of timber from Lord Nelson’s famous ship HMS Victory and an epaulette from Lord Mountbatten’s naval uniform? The answer is the Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum in Nadur.
This little gem of a museum, loved by locals and visitors alike, first opened in 1999 thanks to the generosity of a former primary school teacher, Kelinu Grima, who donated his entire collection of naval memorabilia which he had lovingly and patiently accumulated over 65 years.
Since then the collection has grown with generous donations and you’ll find a fascinating and unique selection of models, photographs, uniforms, letters, medals and assorted naval equipment all packed in to just three rooms.
A small but dedicated team of people regularly volunteer their time to open up the museum to visitors, with support from Nadur Parish Church and the local Council.
The Museum has normally been open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm, and Saturdays between 10am and 1pm. During part of the summer the museum managed to also open for a few hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, thanks to some extra support. It will be closing for the winter for renovations.
Gozo Toy Museum
Address: Triq Gnien Xibla, Xagħra, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21562489
Opening times and entrance fees: see website
Doll’s house at the Museum of Toys, Gozo. Photo credit: suitcasesandsandcastles.com
Behind the unassuming green doors of an old stone house on a quiet street in the village of Xagħra lies one of Gozo’s quirkiest museums – the Pomzkizillious Toy Museum.
If you’re wondering where the word ‘pomskizillious’ comes from – you’ll find out in a display case devoted to the Victorian nonsense poet and artist Edward Lear who coined the word to describe Gozo when he visited in 1866.
Inside, you’ll find a unique collection of dolls and toys from all over the world – from a late 18th century Maltese doll to a selection of 1920s and 30s clockwork toys, and everything in-between. Not a computer game in sight! Your children will be amazed to see what people played with in the ‘olden days’.
The museum was put together by Susan and Edwin Lowe who brought their collection over from Devon in the 1970s.
The Folklore Museum – Gran Castello Historic House
Address: Triq Melite Bernardo De Opuo, The Citadel, Victoria, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21 562 034
Open: Daily 9am-5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Closed: December 24, 25 & 31, January 1, and Good Friday
Explore Gozo’s traditional way of life at the Gran Castello Historic House. Photo credit: heritagemalta.org
The Gran Castello Historic House or Folklore Museum, is located in the old Citadel in Gozo’s capital Victoria and will be of interest to anyone fascinated with Gozo’s medieval architecture and social history.
Before you enter, make sure you take in the magnificent facade of the museum which is housed in an interconnected run of 16th century townhouses which date back to the time of the Knights of Malta.
Inside you’ll find historical artefacts arranged over two floors which tell the story of Gozo’s old way of life and traditions, including stone masonry, agriculture, lace-making, and hunting.
Ta’ Kola Windmill
Address: Bambina Street, Xagħra, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21561071
Open: Daily 9am-5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Closed: December 24, 25 & 31, January 1, and Good Friday
The Ta’ Kola Windmill, Gozo. Photo credit: heritagemalta.org
The Ta’ Kola Windmill in Xagħra, Gozo, is one of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands. It dates back to the early 18th century and it’s name comes from the last miller to live here – Ġuzeppi Grech who was popularly known as Żeppu ta’ Kola (Joseph the son of Nikola).
Inside you can get a glimpse of the daily life of the miller through the recreation of a workshop on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs. You’ll see traditional tools, furniture, and cooking equipment.
One interesting fact: when wind conditions were good, the miller would blow a triton-shell (bronja) to let the villagers know they could bring their cereals to be ground into flour.
Heart of Gozo Museum
Address: Il Karita, just off St George’s Square, Victoria, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21557504, (+356) 79058305
Open: Daily 9am-5pm
Entrance fees: Free
Gozo’s religious culture at the Heart of Gozo Museum. Photo credit: culturetrip.com
Anyone wishing to know more about Gozo’s religious culture will enjoy visiting the Heart of Gozo museum, near St George’s Basilica in the island’s capital, Victoria.
The main aim of the museum is to promote Il-Ħaġar, as the medieval town of Gozo was once known. This light, air-conditioned and well-designed museum presents Gozo’s story from Neolithic times up to the present day with a changing displays of artefacts, audio visual presentations, and a collection of drawings, paintings and ceramics.
Save money with a Discover Gozo ticket
If you are planning to visit a number attractions during your Gozo holiday you might wish to purchase a Heritage Malta Discover Gozo ticket.
The Discover Gozo pass is valid for 30 days from first use and will give you admission to these museums and sites:
- Ġgantija Temples
- Ta’ Kola Windmill
- Gozo Museum of Archaeology
- Gran Castello Historic House
- Gozo Nature Museum
- Old Prison
- Citadel Visitor Centre
It’s a must if you and your family want to explore the Citadel in Victoria as five of these sites are located there.
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and special activities for our guests. Just get in touch and we’ll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property, special events in villages nearby, and other local information.
Posted in Family, Museums, Things to do, What to see in Gozo
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