Whether exploring its ancient churches or discovering quaint villages, Gozo's heritage offers a captivating journey through time and culture.
Gozo, Malta's serene sister island, is steeped in cultural heritage and historical significance. The island's iconic Citadel, perched above Rabat, offers a glimpse into its medieval past with museums, winding streets, and panoramic vistas. Gozo's prehistoric legacy is showcased at the Ggantija Archaeological Park, home to ancient megalithic temples predating the pyramids of Egypt. Museums like the Gharb Folklore Museum and Gozo Museum of Archaeology provide insights into the island's traditional trades and rich history.
Cittadella
One of Gozo’s most recognisable sites is its ancient, fortified Citadel, perched atop a hill above Rabat, and visible from practically anywhere on the island. This architectural marvel dates to the Middle Ages, and houses several interesting museums, sites and crafts shops along its meandering streets. Head up to the very top for stunning, 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Ggantija Archaeological Park
Gozo is a mystical place, where myths and legends abound. One such example of local lore is tied to the two Neolithic structures within the Ggantija Archaeological Park. Dating back 6,000 years, they’re older than the pyramids of Egypt, and enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. The name Ggantija roughly translates to ‘giantess’ and legend has it that the complex was built by giants, as some of the megaliths weigh over 50 tonnes.
Gharb Folklore Museum
This unique museum is housed within a privately owned, 18th-century building on the main square of the village of Gharb. Its 28 rooms are filled with antique objects linked to Gozo’s trades, crafts and pastimes, ranging from carpentry and wine-making to fishing, milling and printing.
Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Set within the stunning Citadel walls, just beyond the city’s original gateway, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology was the very first public museum to open its doors on the island, back in 1960. It is housed within a 17th-century townhouse and features local archaeological artefacts separated into three sections: Prehistory, the Classical period, and the Medieval and Early Modern periods.
Gozo Nature Museum
Another fascinating museum within the ancient Citadel, the Gozo Nature Museum is spread across three interconnected buildings dating back to the 17th century. Here, the focus is on Gozo’s natural resources and their use throughout the ages, with collections including displays of the island’s geological minerals, as well as human, animal and marine evolution.
Gran Castello Historic House
Housed within a cluster of former residences that date back to the 16th century, Gran Castello Historic House provides a fascinating glimpse into the local, rural and traditional ways of Gozitan life through a specifically set-up domestic atmosphere typical of an 18th-century urban environment.
Heart of Gozo – Il-Hagar
As one of the most recently opened museums on the island, this impressive complex of buildings recounts the history of Gozo through its people, presenting an authentic experience of the island’s heritage against the backdrop of its Christian culture. The exhibits range from paintings, statues, religious vestments, and coins, to gifts from Pope Francis and Benedict XVI.
The Old Prison
Adjacent to the Courts of Justice within the Citadel, the oldest surviving prison in Gozo offers a truly unique experience. In continuous use between the mid-16th century and the beginning of the 20th century, its cells feature ancient graffiti etched into the walls by inhabitants throughout the centuries, depicting sea vessels, crosses and names.
St George’s Basilica
Designed by Maltese architect Vittorio Cassar in typical Baroque style, the magnificent St George’s Basilica dominates St George’s Square in Rabat. Its interior is adorned with marble and gold stucco and houses several notable artworks, including a wooden statue of St George and two works by Mattia Preti, one of which is the titular altarpiece.
St Mary’s Cathedral & Museum
Gozo’s imposing cathedral set atop a flight of stairs, comes into view just as you set foot inside the Citadel. Designed in 1697 by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, the cathedral and adjoining museum are built in the shape of a Latin cross, and while the ceiling is flat, a trompe l’oeil painting gives the illusion of a dome.
Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary
The Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is a popular pilgrimage site that draws thousands of visitors each year, having also welcomed Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and Pope Francis in 2022. A series of beautiful mosaics on its parvis depict the 20 mysteries of the rosary, while the museum at the back is dedicated to Karmni Grima, who is believed to have heard the voice of Our Lady at the chapel that used to occupy the site.
Have you ever visited any of these Gozitan heritage sites?