Dwejra Tower recently shared an interesting piece of history on their social media pages which takes us back to the rich history of Gozo, highlighting an 18th-century map that captures the island’s landmarks in stunning detail.

In 2012, on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Gio. Pietro Francesco Agius de Soldanis (1712–1770), a prominent Gozitan historian, philologist, and ecclesiastic, a remarkable exhibition was held to celebrate his contributions.

The event, organised by the Ministry for Gozo in collaboration with Malta Libraries, Heritage Malta, and the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta, took place at both the National Library of Malta and on Gozo. A focal point of the celebration was the reproduction of a unique manuscript map of Gozo and Comino, originally created by the Capuchin Friar Fra Luigi Bartolo. This map was featured in de Soldanis’s manuscript volume, Il Gozo Antico-Moderno e Sacro-Profano (Libr MS145), a treasure held in the National Library of Malta’s collection.

The map offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century Gozo, showcasing well-known landmarks like Dwejra Tower (Ref. No. 18) and Fungus Rock, also known as Ħaġra tal-General (Ref. No. 65). These landmarks, along with other villages, buildings, and coastal features, reflect a blend of history and geography that continues to resonate with Gozitans and visitors alike.

The limited reproduction of this map remains a valued commemoration of both de Soldanis’s legacy and Gozo’s rich historical and cultural heritage. It serves as a visual journey through time, preserving the island’s historical identity for future generations.

Have you visited Gozo during the Christmas period yet?