GOZO – HISTORIC SITES
Gozo's rich and varied history is evident all over the island. As witnessed by its mysterious Neolithic temples, the traces of Roman settlement, its Arabic place names, the medieval structures left behind by the Knights of Malta, and even the iconic red telephone boxes, dating from British rule.
Here are a few key heritage sites we'd suggest you put on your 'must see' list when you plan your holiday on Gozo:
Ġgantija temples
The Ġgantija Temple complex in Xagħra, Gozo, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It comprises two megalithic temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 B.C. making them among the oldest free-standing man-made structures in the world.
Elevated walkways take you around the complex and there are displays providing details on its construction and the life of the Neolithic people who built it.
Opening times: The Ġgantija Temples complex is open daily from 1 October until 31 May (winter season) from 9.00am to 5.00pm and from 1 June until 30 September (summer season) from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
It is closed on on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.
The Citadel
Also known as the Cittadella, this is a small fortified city located on a promontory at the centre of Gozo's capital, Victoria.
The fortifications date mostly from the early 17th century, the time of the Knights of Malta, although some parts date back to the 15th century.
Archaeologists have revealed that the area's history goes back even further in time. It was first inhabited during the Bronze Age, then settled by the Phoenicians and further developed by the Romans.
The Citadel is a fascinating place to visit for all ages, and a walk around the city walls provides a breathtaking, panoramic 360° view of Gozo. Within the Citadel there are some notable buildings including:
Gozo Cathedral
This impressive building was constructed between 1697 and 1711 on what is believed to be the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno.
The architect was Lorenzo Gafa, from Malta, and the cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque design, built in local limestone.
Once inside, look up and marvel at the remarkable trompe l'oeil painting that makes you think you're looking at the interior of a dome – even though the cathedral roof is actually flat.
The church also houses the statue of Santa Marija (The Assumption of Our Lady) which features prominently in the cathedral's annual festa on 15 August.
Opening times: The cathedral has wheelchair access and is open all year round from 5.00am to 8.00pm, although no visits are allowed during church services.
Cathedral Museum
Located next to Cathedral is the Cathedral Museum. The collection is spread over three floors: the silver vault on the lower floor; the main hall on the first floor; and the picture gallery on the upper level – where you can enjoy a great view of Gozo.
Opening times: The museum is open all year round between 10.00am and 4.00pm but is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
A lift is available.
Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Located behind the original gateway to the Citadel in a renovated 17th century townhouse, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology covers Gozo's history from the prehistoric to the medieval periods.
Opening times: It is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
It is closed on on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.
Gran Castello Historic House
The Gran Castello Historic House, or Folklore Museum, is housed in a cluster of early 16th century houses, including the only surviving late Medieval house of its type in Gozo.
Inside you'll find collections relating to the crafts, pastimes, and rural traditions of Gozo that have shaped the way of life here in the Maltese Islands over the centuries.
Opening times: The house is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
It is closed on on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.
Old Prison
Now a museum, the Old Prison comprises two buildings: the entrance hall, which had been a common cell in the 19th century, and a free-standing block with six individual cells. The prison dates back to the 16th century and was finally closed in 1962.
You can even see graffiti, made by prisoners on its walls.
Opening times: It is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
It is closed on on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.
Gozo Nature Museum
The Nature Museum is located in a group of houses within the Citadel dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
Here you'll find plenty of interesting exhibits that tell the story of Gozo's geology, marine life, local plant life, insects, and ecosystems. The museum even has a piece of moon rock.
Opening times: The museum is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. It is closed on on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday.
WW2 Shelters
On the north east corner of the 17th century defensive walls of the old Citadel at the back of St. John’s demi-bastion, you'll find the Battery, or gun emplacement.
In the early stages of World War 2, several stone rooms were cut out of the rock underneath the Battery and used as air-raid shelters for five families. Makeshift bedding can still be seen in the shelters.
Multi-site tickets
To make it easy to decide what to see in Gozo, you can purchase a Discover Gozo Ticket from Heritage Malta (there's a family ticket too) which gives access to six sites in Gozo including: the Ġgantija Temple Complex, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gozo Nature Museum, Gran Castello Historic House, Old Prison, and the Ta’ Kola Windmill.
And to make it even easier for you Baron Holiday Homes has teamed up with Heritage Malta and you can actually buy the ticket from our representative with special family tickets for Gozo!