Gozo's Heritage

Ġgantija

The Ġgantija temples, built between 4100-2500 BC, are thought to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world. They take their name from the Maltese word 'Ġgant' meaning 'giant', due to their sheer size and height.

Citadel

The Old Citadel is built on the strategic vantage point of Victoria, dominating the town's skyline. It dates back to Neolithic times, but was first fortified around 1500 BC. During the Roman era, Gozo was a privileged Roman municipality independent from Malta, and the Citadel was the administrative, military and religious focal point of the island.
Along the fortified ramparts, there is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Gozo's countryside: hills and valleys, villages and church domes.

Citadel

Comino Tower

At the time of the Knights of St. John, Gozo's boats were frequently attacked by corsairs. A formidable fortress was therefore completed in1618, armed with heavy guns - which also played an important role during the insurrection against French in 1799.

Xlendi Tower

This watchtower was built in 1650 to deny entrance to the bay to smugglers, pirates and evaders of quarantine. It continued to serve its guard duties as late as 1871.

Aqueducts

The Aqueducts to the side of the road between Victoria and Ta' Pinu were built in the British colonial period. The obelisk commemorating the arrival of the first water supply, in 1843, still stands on the spot of the first water reservoir.

Dwejra Tower

Built in 1652 for defence purposes, this tower had the additional function of protecting the famous Fungus Rock, to prevent the people from collecting a fungus erroneously believed to have unique medicinal properties. Anyone caught stealing the plant could be punished by death!

Dwejra Tower

Ta' Ġurdan Lighthouse

This landmark was constructed in 1851 under British rule, to serve the increasing maritime traffic. Originally, the lighthouse had 21 purposely-designed oil lamps, with silver plated brass reflectors. The view from the hill is breathtaking.

Tas -Salvatur

The statue of the Risen Christ was placed on Tal-Merzuq Hill in the 1970s. Legend has it that God punished the people of Gozo by engulfing the island in darkness for three whole days. At the end of these three days a ray of light (merzuq) was seen coming out of the hill and it was hence called Tal-Merzuq.