Discovering Gozo Tour

Looking towards the Citadel city fortress, perched majestically on top of a hill, one can easily see how it stood sentinel over the island in the past.

Victoria(Rabat) is the capital of Gozo island, which is the sister island of Malta. Both of them are similar in history and development, but Gozo has a character entirely of its own. The three-hilled island is greener and more picturesque than Malta.

Victoria is the name given in 1897 by the British government on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, at the request of the Bishop of Malta.

The Citadel is on Malta’s tentative list of future World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Citadel proudly rises above Victoria. It was the center of activity possibly since Neolithic times but it became the focal point of Gozo around 1500 Bc when it was first fortified by the Bronze Age people.

Interesting facts

The invasion of Gozo

In 1551, the invasion of Gozo took place. The Ottoman Empire descended upon Gozo, defeating the defending forces and taking over the citadel. Over 5000 men and women were taken to slavery by the Ottoman Turks. Leaving Gozo deserted, with only around 300 people escaping by climbing down the Citadel walls. Though records are not extensive, there are many legends and stories that have survived these turbulent days.

The invasion of Gozo

In 1551, the invasion of Gozo took place. The Ottoman Empire descended upon Gozo, defeating the defending forces and taking over the citadel. Over 5000 men and women were taken to slavery by the Ottoman Turks. Leaving Gozo deserted, with only around 300 people escaping by climbing down the Citadel walls. Though records are not extensive, there are many legends and stories that have survived these turbulent days.

The Phoenicians developed it further and the Romans turned it into their acropolis dominated by a temple dedicated to Juno.  The north side of the present fortifications date from the times of the Aragonese, while the southern flank, overlooking Victoria, was raised by the Knights of St. John Between 1599 and 1603.

The city walls were the site for numerous conflicts that took place in and around the citadel. For centuries, the Citadel served as a sanctuary from attack by Barbary corsairs and Saracens. At several times during Gozo’s history, these raiders took their population into slavery.

If you like you can walk in it for free and enjoy the views from above.

 

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Points of interest

Basilica of St.George

Cathedral of the Assumption

Gozo Nature Museum”

Archaeology Museum

The old prison or the Courts of Justice

Points of interest

Basilica of St.George

Cathedral of the Assumption

Gozo Nature Museum”

Archaeology Museum

The old prison or the Courts of Justice

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