The Maltese Islands are known to have a rich history and impressive heritage having been conquered and governed by various settlers and invaders over the years that have left quite the impact and legacy on the islands. Gozo, in particular, has quite the history and being Malta’s sister isle, sometimes she suffered much more than the mainland. Intrigued? Read on…

Heritage Malta invites you to discover Gozo’s heritage by embarking on a trail, if you will, that will give you a taste of the island’s history and heritage – all in a day! Just a picturesque 25-minute ferry ride from Malta, here’s where you can visit to experience the best of Gozo’s heritage.

First up, Ggantija Temples

Ggantija temples in Xaghra are legendary – and don’t argue with any local about it! These temples are considered to be a milestone in humankind's technological evolution and are even older than the Pyramids of Egpyt!

The ingenious temple builders accomplished a level of engineering and sophistication in the construction of these monuments that appears unparalleled elsewhere in the Neolithic period. Prepare to be awed by the enormous megaliths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which according to local folklore were believed to have been erected by a giantess who fed on a diet of broad beans and honey.

While still in Xaghra...

Since you’re in Xaghra, you should also check out the Ta’ Kola Windmill which is just around the corner from the Ggantija Temples. Two birds with one stone! This ethnographic museum dates back to the 18th century, built during the magistracy of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena.

The Citadel Visitor Centre has a wealth of heritage and history for you to discover

All in one spot! The Citadel Visitor Centre boasts incredible heritage, all encased within the historic bastioned walls of the city. Here you can learn about Gozo’s multi-faceted past in the interactive centre, after which we recommend a walk up to the imposing fortress for some impressive panoramic views of the entire island. You really don’t want to miss this!

But that’s not all! The Citadel has more to offer those visiting for the day. Discover the graffiti carved onto the walls of the oldest prison in Gozo, where Fra Jean Parisot de La Valette (yes, the Grand Master) was incarcerated in 1538.

Then head to the Gozo Museum of Archaeology to ponder over a young Muslim girl’s poignant epitaph inscribed on Maymūnah’s stone. Then, relive a magical milestone in mankind’s history and view the fragments of moonstone brought from the moon’s surface by the crew of Apollo II in the Gozo Nature Museum. Finally, imagine what everyday life was like during the late medieval period in the Gran Castello Historic House. See? Lots to do!

Tickets for the heritage trail

Heritage Malta is pleased to announce two ‘Discover Gozo Combo tickets’ that will enable visitors to enter seven different cultural locations whenever they want to over the period of a month.

Both the Discover Gozo and the Discover Gozo Family Combo tickets will allow access to the following museums and sites:

1. Xagħra: Ġgantija Temples and Ta’ Kola Windmill open every day from 10:00 to 16:30.

2. Rabat/Victoria: Citadel Visitor Centre, Gozo Prison, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gozo Nature Museum, and Gran Castello Historic House open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30.

Tickets can be purchased from all Museum and Site Shops and online here: https://shop.heritagemalta.org/