Museums In Gozo
Exploring Gozo’s Rich Heritage: Must-Visit Museums On The Island Of Gozo
When sightseeing in Gozo, the Ġgantija Temples should undoubtedly be at the very top of your list. In fact, for anyone sightseeing in Gozo, these remarkable sites are among the most important historical landmarks to visit.
Moreover, the Ġgantija Temples are the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and Gozo and, notably, they are even older than the pyramids of Egypt. Furthermore, their builders erected the two Ġgantija temples during the Neolithic era, which means they are more than 5,500 years old.
As a result, sightseeing in Gozo offers a rare opportunity to experience the world’s second-oldest existing man-made religious structures, surpassed only by Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Ultimately, visiting Ġgantija is not just a stop on your itinerary, but a journey back to the very beginnings of human civilisation.
Whether it is high or low season in Malta, planning. your trip to Gozo has never been easier. There are plenty of things to see and to prove it, we have produced a local sightseeing list that is jammed-packed with all the information you need to slay your next visit to this beautiful little island.
Among the most important Tourist Attractions in Gozo, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu stands out as a deeply spiritual and cultural landmark. Located in the peaceful village of Għarb, the shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and, as a result, draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.
Moreover, when exploring Tourist Attractions in Gozo, many people are particularly drawn to Ta’ Pinu because of its reputation for miraculous powers. Consequently, the Basilica regularly features on sightseeing itineraries, as visitors come to pray for healing, reflection, and blessings.
Furthermore, as one of the most significant Tourist Attractions in Gozo, the Basilica is the setting for important religious ceremonies throughout the year. Most notably, the annual feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place in June and attracts large crowds of pilgrims from across Malta and Gozo, further reinforcing its importance on the island.
Visitors to the Ta’ Pinu shrine can take part in guided tours of the basilica, visit the nearby cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and explore the beautiful countryside surrounding the shrine. The site also features a small museum, which showcases the history and significance of the shrine and its role in Maltese culture and tradition.
Għasri Valley is a sea canyon on Gozo. The gorge continues on the land towards the village of Għasri. The valley is known for its quiet beach, which is 300 metres inland from the sea. The sea is only accessible via a narrow cove with high cliffs on both sides.
The Azure Window, also known as the Dwejra Window, was a natural arch formation located on the coast of the small island of Gozo. It was one of the most iconic landmarks in Malta and a popular tourist attraction for many years. Unfortunately, the arch collapsed into the sea on March 8, 2017, after being weakened by years of erosion.
The Azure Window was formed over thousands of years by the erosion of the limestone cliffs along the Gozo coastline. The arch stood at a height of around 22 meters and was around 28 meters wide. It was a popular spot for cliff jumping and swimming, and it provided a stunning backdrop for photos and videos.
The collapse of the Azure Window was a significant loss for Malta’s tourism industry and cultural heritage. The site had been featured in several films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, and was a popular destination for tourists from around the world. However, the loss of the arch has also led to renewed efforts to protect Malta’s natural and cultural heritage, and several initiatives have been launched to preserve and promote other unique landmarks on the island.
Today, visitors to Gozo can still visit the Dwejra Bay area and see the remains of the Azure Window. The area is still a beautiful spot, with crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. Visitors can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the Inland Sea and the Fungus Rock, which are both located just a short walk from the site of the collapsed arch.
When sightseeing in Gozo, Xlendi Bay is a popular swimming, snorkeling, and diving spot. There is a small sandy beach leading into shallow waters perfect for young and old, while for the more adventurous it is delightful to swim and snorkel in deeper water off the long stretch of rocks bordering the beach. Because of its reef formations, ix-Xlendi is an ideal diving site, even for beginners. This is also a typical Gozitan fishing village and is well-served with good restaurants, bars, and hotels.
The Blue Hole is a unique tourist attraction in Gozo, This geological formation is also one of the island’s most sought-after diving spots. Gozo’s iconic Blue Hole is a natural rock formation resembling an upright tube that has been carved out by thousands of years of wind and wave power. At first glance, this natural wonder may seem carved into the surrounding rocks. However, an underwater arch located 10 metres below the surface actually links it to the open sea, making it a unique geological formation.
To reach the Blue Hole, you need to walk over ancient coralline limestone rocks, consisting of rough surfaces and some sharp edges. From the shore, a shallow-water shelf leads out to a sudden drop that is the Blue Hole. It offers a sheltered entry for this dive which takes you through a large archway starting at 6m and stretching right down to the bottom at 15m. The Blue Hole is situated close to the hamlet of Dwejra, on Gozo’s West coast. If you’re driving, simply follow the signs to the former Azure Window and Inland Sea and park where the road comes to a natural end. If not, fret not as a frequent bus also stops here. A rocky path carved in cliffs leads down to the sea where you will enter the water.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs, also known as Sanap Cliffs, is a 20-ha linear strip of cliffed coastline in Sannat, on the southern coast of the island. There are plenty of ways to see this popular tourist attraction in Gozo. Check out our suggestions on the Experiences page. The area consists of garrigue and steep and rugged cliffs, which rise from sea level to a height of 120 m. The cliffs are identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because they support 800–1000 breeding pairs of Cory’s shearwaters and 150–300 pairs of Yelkouan shearwaters
The cliffs of San Lawrenz and Dwejra are a must-see, especially at sunset and in the springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom. There are well-used walking paths along the cliffs. From Għarb, follow signs for the hamlet of San Lawrenz. Park where the road turns to dirt at the town’s end and follow the road for about half a mile.
With a skyline that can be seen from most parts of Gozo, the statue of Risen Christ sits comfortably on Tal-Merżuq Hill, or as it’s more commonly known Tas-Salvatur Hill.
The statue of the Risen Christ, modelled and cast by the Gozitan artist, Carmel Grech, was erected in 1979 and today stands proudly at the top of Tas-Salvatur Hill. What many people don’t know is that a couple more statues came before it, but neither of them withstood the test of time.
Located close to the infamous salt pans, the large-scale spiral seems to have been created manually out of a combination of small rocks with pebbles balanced on top, it is a natural rock formation.
This rocky promontory, jutting out several metres into the sea, is the most northerly point of Gozo. Underwater, this headland extends northerly approximately another 50 m.
To walk along the Gebel Ben Gorg Cliffs, you have a choice of two trails, one by the edge of the cliff and one higher up. Roughly 150 metres before you reach San Raflu Lake, there is a path down to the cliffs that will take you to the cliff trail. For the higher trail, simply turn off at the lake itself. From there it’s onto narrow trails through farmland, admiring the view to the Mediterranean.
Għar Qawqla is a limestone formation located off Marsalforn. It was formerly a natural arch connected to the mainland, but the span collapsed at some point during the 20th century. It has been speculated that the name Marsalforn might be partially derived from forna, referring to the natural sea caves of the area, of which Għar Qawqla was one of the best-known. The formation stands about 7.9 metres (26 ft) off the shore.
Today, all that remains of the arch is a 3-metre-tall (9.8 ft) pillar, from which both locals and tourists often jump into the sea.]
The Xagħra Stone Circle, also known as the Xagħra Hypogeum or the Brochtorff Circle, is a Neolithic funerary complex located in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It consists of a series of caves that were used to bury the dead, and which were surrounded by a walled enclosure
Ta Kola Windmill, is a windmill in the village of Xagħra, on the island of Gozo. It was built in 1725 by the Fondazione Vilhena of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena and was rebuilt in the 1780s. It became a museum in 1992. The windmill’s name Ta’ Kola comes from the last miller, who was popularly known as Żeppu ta’ Kola.
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Located in the village of Xaghra, Xerri’s Grotto is a beautiful underground cave that features stunning stalactites and stalagmites. It’s well worth adding to your sightseeing in Gozo bucket list.
According to legend, this cave was the home of the nymph Calypso, who kept Odysseus captive for seven years in Homer’s Odyssey. The cave is located near Ramla Bay and offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
This cave, located in the village of Birzebbuga, is a popular tourist attraction that features several layers of fossils and prehistoric artifacts. Visitors can explore the cave’s underground chambers and learn about Malta’s rich geological and cultural history.
Located near the village of Xaghra, Ninu’s Cave is an underground chamber that features several beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is named after a local farmer who discovered it in the early 20th century.
This cave is located in the village of Xaghra and is part of a larger complex that includes a winery and restaurant. Visitors can explore the cave’s unique geological features and learn about the local wine-making process.
This cave is located in the village of Comino and is known for its beautiful crystal-clear waters. Visitors can swim in the cave’s natural pool and explore its underwater chambers.
There are 41 Churches on Gozo Island. Click the link to explore them all.
Gozo In The House Lists The Ultimate Guide To Churches On Gozo.
Sightseeing in Gozo is most popular for its temples. The island is home to several ancient ruins and prehistoric temples, dating back thousands of years. These sites offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Here are the must-visit temples and ancient ruins to see on your visit;
These prehistoric temples, located in the village of Xaghra, are the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to around 3600 BC. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Neolithic period.
Located in the village of Xaghra, this temple complex dates back to the early Bronze Age and features several unique architectural features, including a circular apse and a stone bench.
This site, located in the village of Sannat, features a collection of ancient cart ruts and rock-cut tombs, dating back to the Bronze Age.
This megalithic site, located in the village of Xaghra, is thought to be an ancient astronomical observatory. It features several standing stones arranged in a circular pattern and is believed to date back to the Neolithic period.
This Roman-era villa, located in the village of Rabat, features several beautiful mosaic floors and is believed to have been built in the 2nd century AD.
Located in the heart of Victoria, the Citadel is a fortified city that dates back to the medieval period. Its dungeons were used to house prisoners during the Inquisition and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s dark past.
The Wardija Punic Temple dates back to the Punic period, which was between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC, and is one of the few surviving examples of Punic architecture in the Mediterranean. The temple is believed to have been used for the worship of a goddess, although the exact identity of the deity is not known.
Discovered in the early 1960s during the construction of a new road in the area, the site was excavated and partially restored, and it is now open to visitors.
The temple consists of a series of rooms and courtyards, and it is built using a combination of large stone blocks and smaller stones. The temple also includes a number of interesting features, such as a large underground cistern and a series of channels for the collection and distribution of rainwater.
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A further tourist attraction in Gozo is the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is a fascinating museum located in the historic town of Victoria on the island of Gozo. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich archaeological heritage of Gozo and the surrounding region, with exhibits spanning thousands of years of history and culture.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts and exhibits, from prehistoric times to the medieval period. Visitors can explore displays of pottery, tools, jewelry, and other objects that provide insights into the daily lives of the people who lived on the island throughout history. The museum also features displays of the ancient temples and ruins that dot the Gozitan landscape, including the Ggantija temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
One of the most impressive exhibits at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is the Phoenician Shipwreck exhibit. This exhibit features artifacts recovered from a shipwreck that was discovered off the coast of Gozo in the 1960s. The ship was carrying a cargo of amphorae, pottery, and other goods when it sank, and the artifacts provide a unique glimpse into the trade and commerce of the ancient Mediterranean world.
The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Victoria, with displays spread across several levels. Visitors can take guided tours of the museum or explore the exhibits at their own pace, with informative signage and multimedia displays providing additional context and background information.
Is a historic house museum dedicated to Gozitan folklore in Victoria, located within a cluster of 16th-century houses in the Cittadella, which were rehabilitated as a museum in 1983.
The museum’s collections relate to the domestic, rural, and traditional ways of life in the agrarian economy of the Maltese Islands and the many skills, crafts, and traditions that have shaped everyday life on the islands over the centuries.
Situated behind the Courts of Justice at the Citadel in Victoria, the museum is housed within a cluster of three interconnected domestic buildings dating back to the 1600s, which boast several authentic architectural features. The property served as an inn in later years and was also utilized as a shelter by families who sought refuge during aerial bombings in the Second World War. The exhibits on the ground floor relate to geology, minerals, human and animal evolution, and marine life.
The Old Prison is located within the Citadel and a great tourist attraction to do with the family. It’s located adjacent to the Courts of Justice to which it was originally connected. Today, the prison complex is divided into two different buildings: the entrance hall, which had been a common cell in the 19th century, and a free-standing block with six individual cells. The prison was active from the mid-16th century until 1962.
This Museum and community space is the brainchild of Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria, established in 1998 with the object of promoting the city of Gozo’s cultural identity. Over the years, FBV has been active in a range of cultural areas, including publications, exhibitions, recitals, and public lectures.
This small privately owned museum in ix-Xagħra was originally set up by Susan and Edwin Lowe in Devon, England in the 1970s. It started with one doll and today boasts toys from all over the world. The name Pomzkizillious comes from the artist and writer of nonsense-verse Edward Lear. He made up the word in 1866 to describe the coastal scenery of Gozo which he loved to walk through and paint on his visit to the island in March 1866. He was in Gozo for one week. According to his Diary, he walked 20 miles a day on the island.
The Gozo Cathedral Museum houses over 2,000 items, including the Cathedral’s archives, fine paintings, clerical vestments, and a silver vault. Notably, the collection features works by renowned local artists Giuseppe Hyzler, Michele Busetti, and Tommaso Medion.
Constructed between 1697 and 1711, the Cathedral is an elegant Baroque structure in the shape of a Latin cross, built entirely from local limestone and designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. Unusually, a tall belfry with five bells stands at the rear, replacing the more traditional twin bell towers at the front.
Inside, a 1739 painting creates the illusion of a dome, despite the roof being flat. Another highlight is the statue of Santa Marija (The Assumption of Our Lady), crafted in Rome in 1897.
Unlock the secrets of every city with insider tips, hidden gems, and must-see attractions. Your ultimate travel companion awaits—explore smarter, travel better!
Exploring Gozo’s Rich Heritage: Must-Visit Museums On The Island Of Gozo
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