8th March will mark three years since the collapse of the Azure Window. One of Gozo’s prime tourist destinations has now become a remarkable diving attraction, but we can’t contain ourselves from welling up with nostalgia after spotting a robust Azure Window in recently unearthed footage from the ’60s.

The 36-minute film was edited by Alessandro Bajada, and is a montage of several home videos by the late Dr Robert Staines as well as footage from Alessandro’s father, the late Emanuel Bajada’s own private archive. All scenes were shot on Super 8mm colour film during the ‘60s.

Alessandro wrote that: “This footage includes villages all around Malta and Gozo which will surely please the eye and bring lots of memories.” All locations pictured in the film appear very peaceful, but most surprising of all is Sliema, whose quiet streets are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of one of Malta’s most popular business and leisure spots.

The film also showcases a quarry and construction site, various methods of sea transport, a St Julian's that could pass for the Marsaxlokk we know today, as well as the Xewkija church, which was under construction at the time, amongst many other stunning locations.

Take a small trip into the past:

Last week, Alessandro revealed another gem by sharing beautiful and highly nostalgic footage of Malta in the ‘50s. Check it out here.

Can we have this Malta back, please?