Gozo
Oct 2, 2021 16:21:15 GMT -5
Post by Huronna on Oct 2, 2021 16:21:15 GMT -5
Gozo is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, one of 21 that make up the Maltese archipelago. Inhabited for thousands of years, it shows evidence of historic immigration and rule by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British, among others. It’s known for its Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins, rural hiking paths, beaches and scuba-diving sites.
One of the best places to visit in Gozo is the citadel, located in the capital city of Victoria. Victoria is also known as Rabat, just to confuse tourists. The citadel is a 16th-century hilltop fortress, although the area was built on long before that. It’s been carefully restored and is overflowing with museums within its walls, as well as some very tasteful flowerpots. Some of the buildings within the citadel are in ruins but in a nice shabby chic kind of way. Wildflowers grow in among the rubble.
Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is out in the open countryside, set in a rather barren backdrop that only emphasises its size. The architectural details are amazing and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular things to do in Gozo.The shrine is ancient, although the first records of it are from 1534. There are lots of stories of miracles and strange things happening here. One of them is set in the 16th century, when the shrine was closed because it was in a right old state. It was even due to be demolished, but legend has it that when a construction worker gave it a whack with a pickaxe, he broke his arm. This was taken as a divine message so they decided to do it up instead. Seems a bit harsh on the builder, doesn’t it?
The Knights of St John left Gozo with a collection of historic watch towers, dotted around the outskirts of the island. The towers were built to serve as a communication system for the knights as they provided a 360-degree view of the surrounding waters.
The Gozo watchtowers are the: Mgarr ix-Xini Tower in Xewkija, the Xlendi Tower, the Dwejra Tower and San Blas Tower in Nadur.
A section of the 1843 Gozo Aqueduct, built by the British to transport water.
Only parts still standing. Ran from Għar Ilma to the capitol Victoria.
A few photos of local sights