Gozo is a small island with an extraordinary past. Its story stretches across millennia and brings together temple builders, farmers, traders, conquerors, knights, and communities who shaped the Maltese Islands. Today, Gozo remains one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating destinations for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient cultures, and the deeper threads of human history.
This guide explores Gozo’s most significant historical sites and the mysteries that continue to captivate researchers and travellers alike.
The Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra are the most iconic symbol of Gozo’s ancient past. Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, they predate the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Their size and engineering raise questions that still puzzle archaeologists today.
These megalithic structures were constructed without metal tools and feature stones that weigh several tonnes. The name Ġgantija — meaning “place of giants” — reflects local folklore suggesting the temples were built by a giantess who carried the stones on her head.
What makes Ġgantija especially compelling is the insight it offers into the island’s early society. Rituals, communal gatherings, and ceremonial practices appear to have been central to life here, and the temples give us a glimpse into a community that lived in harmony with the land.
Just a short distance from Ġgantija lies one of Gozo’s lesser-known archaeological wonders: the Xagħra Stone Circles. Mostly underground and partially excavated, this site is believed to have served as a burial complex dating back to the same era as the temples.
Thousands of human remains and artefacts have been found here, hinting at complex rituals around ancestry, death, and the afterlife. Although not open to the public, the Stone Circles remain one of Gozo’s most important prehistoric discoveries.
Perched above the island’s capital, Victoria, the Citadel has been a defensive stronghold for centuries. Its strategic position made it essential for safeguarding Gozo’s inhabitants during periods of invasion and conflict.
The Citadel’s origins stretch back to the Bronze Age, but it was fortified extensively during the medieval period and then rebuilt by the Knights of St John after the Ottoman raid of 1551. Walking through its narrow lanes and restored bastions offers panoramic views and a clear sense of the island’s long struggle for survival and autonomy.
Within the Citadel’s walls you’ll find the Old Prison, the Gozo Cathedral, the Grain Silos, and several small museums that trace the island’s daily life through different eras.
The arrival of the Knights of St John in the 16th century reshaped Gozo. After the devastation of the 1551 raid, the island needed renewed protection, and the Knights invested heavily in defence.
They built watchtowers, strengthened the Citadel, and established a more structured administration. This era left a lasting architectural footprint, from coastal towers such as Mġarr ix-Xini Tower to village churches influenced by European artistic styles. These structures connect Gozo to the wider political and cultural dynamics of the Mediterranean.
Gozo’s coastline is dotted with watchtowers built in the 17th century to monitor approaching ships and provide early warnings of potential attacks.
Notable towers include:
• Mġarr ix-Xini Tower
• Xlendi Tower
• Dwejra Tower
These towers were part of a communication network across the Maltese Islands. Guards would light fires or signal between towers, ensuring rapid transmission of messages. Today, many have been restored and offer impressive viewpoints for visitors.
One of Gozo’s most famous features, the Azure Window, collapsed during a storm in 2017. Although it is no longer standing, the site remains significant in understanding the island’s geological history. The surrounding area — including the Inland Sea and Dwejra Bay — continues to attract divers, geologists, and nature lovers.
This natural arch once symbolised Gozo around the world, and its story is now part of the island’s living history.
History on Gozo isn’t only found in stones and ruins. It lives in stories passed down through generations. The island’s myths speak of giants, sea creatures, spirits, and heroic figures who shaped its identity.
One well-known legend centres on Calypso’s Cave in Ramla, where, according to Homeric tradition, the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years. Whether fact or fiction, these tales reveal how deeply Gozo’s landscapes are woven into Mediterranean culture.
Beyond the ancient temples and fortifications, Gozo has a strong agricultural heritage that continues to influence daily life. Traditional tools, farming techniques, and local crafts connect modern communities to centuries-old practices.
Villages across Gozo still celebrate festas, bake bread in old stone ovens, and produce honey, cheeselets, and olive oil using methods rooted in history. This living heritage adds depth to the island’s historical narrative.
Gozo’s ancient sites are not simply attractions. They are reminders of how human ingenuity and cultural continuity shape a place across thousands of years. The island’s historical depth contributes to its identity as a calm, reflective, and culturally rich destination.
For travellers, connecting with Gozo’s past enriches the entire experience of being on the island. Whether exploring the Citadel’s bastions, walking through the Ġgantija complex, or listening to local stories, you gain a deeper appreciation of this unique Mediterranean gem.
Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to [email protected].
