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THE CITADEL, THE FUNGUS ROCK, & GOZO'S AZURE WINDOW
The Citadel is built on one of the many flat- topped hills in the centre of Gozo. It is rising steeply above the surrounding countryside, is visible from almost all the Island. The Citadel owes its roots to the late medieval era, but the hill has been settled since Neolithic times The Citadel has been a landmark and focal point on the Island since at least 1500 B.C. And the Cathedral itself had several predecessors, some more mythical more than real. Its origins can be traced to the last part of the Middle Ages.
An earthquake in 1693
damaged many of the buildings within its walls but today, with the help of
UNESCO, these are being carefully restored. The Citadel, like its Maltese
counterpart
Mdina, seems lost
in time, though not abandoned. Its narrow alleys house shops selling local
crafts and
produce. The first structure on the site was probably a Phoenician temple. This was rebuilt and enlarged by the Romans, and in due course changed status into a Christian church. The building underwent various reconstructions until an earthquake damaged it, like the Mdina Cathedral, in 1693. Whatever the origins of the site, remains of a Roman temple were unearthed here before the ‘new’ cathedral was built. The Cathedral’s predecessors were known as ‘Matrice’ or mother church since early times. It was probably the only parish church on Gozo for several centuries.
Its Citadel, rising steeply above the surrounding countryside, is visible from almost all the Island. For centuries the Citadel served as a sanctuary from attack by Barbary corsairs and Saracens. At several times in Gozo's history, its population were taken into slavery by these raiders. After the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights set about re-fortifying it to provide refuge and defence against further attack. Until 1637, the Gozitan population was required by law to spend their nights within the Citadel for their own safety. In later, more peaceful times, this restriction was lifted and people settled below its walls, creating the prosperous town of Rabat, now known as Victoria. For centuries the Citadel served as a sanctuary from attack by Barbary corsairs and Saracens. At several times in Gozo's history, its population were taken into slavery by these raiders. When the threat subsided after the Great Siege, a prosperous town grew up below the Citadel. The small town is divided into two parishes - that of St Mary, The Assumption, with its Cathedral in the Citadel and the Basilican Church, St George's, in the lower town. The festivity of St. Mary (Assumption Day) is held on 15th August; that of St. George on the 3rd Sunday in July. These days are occasions of parish pride and joy and well worth joining in.
At one time all the population of Gozo had to take shelter within these walls after sunset. The walls themselves date back from the 16th to the 18th century. Most of the buildings inside the Citadel are in ruins but the Old Courts of Law and the Old Governor’s Palace are still being used as the Law Courts of Gozo. There are also the Old Prisons and the Armoury of the Knights, the Archaeological, Natural History and Folklore Museums. The Cathedral with the Bishop’s Palace and the Cathedral Museum dominates the Citadel.
The Cathedral was designed
in the form of a Latin Cathedral. The Citadel's fine baroque Cathedral is
a masterpiece designed by Lorenzo Gafa', was built between 1697 and 1711
on the site of an older church. The Maltese Architect who was responsible
for the magnificent Cathedral of Mdina. The site on which it stands may
well have been that of the Roman Temple of Juno, mentioned by Cicero in
his writings. The Cathedral, built early in the 17th century, is small but
graceful. Its floor is made up of a mosaic of marble tombstones and
ecclesiastical emblems, while its ceiling has a remarkable trompe Today’s structure (1697-1711) is a superb example of Mediterranean baroque. It is similar to Mdina Cathedral but on a smaller, more modest scale. The understated façade rests imposingly at the top of a steep flight of steps. While Gafa’ is renowned for his elegant domes, the cathedral is without one. It was never completed due to a lack of funds. Instead, it has a masterful illusion, a tromp l’oeil giving the impression of the dome’s interior, painted by the Italian Antonio Manuel.
Archeological Museum All archeological material found in Gozo is now shown in this 17th century house known as Casa Bondi. Of special interest are sherds of the Għar Dalam phase (5000 B.C.) found at Għajn Abdul, probably the oldest ever found in the Maltese Islands and Majmuna tombstone, a beautiful marble inscription in Kufic characters to 1.174 A.D.
Punico-Hellenistic pottery (above) and glass amphora are on display at the Archeological Museum.
This building is at the back of the Cathedral. The exhibits consist of ecclesiastical and decorations, paintings - the best is a 15th century panel on wood - and the old Bishop’s landau.
Folklore Museum (Top) This museum is housed in three late medieval houses with Sicilian-influenced architectural features. Exhibits consist of agricultural implements which include a mill for grinding corn, items related to the cotton industry, tools used in different crafts and some traditional costumes.
Many finds such as statuettes, as oscillum (top) ancors, amphorae and pottery found in inland excavations or ancient shipwrecks along the coast of the island.
Fungus Rock
The locals call it Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral (the Generals Rock) because it is said that a Commander of the Ordni of St. John discovered on it a shrub locally called Għerq Sinjur” (Cynomorium coccineum Linn). Malta fungus is a misnomer because this plant does not belong to the fungus family. It was jealously protected by the Knights of St. John as it was believed that it possessed great medicinal properties against certain ailments and illnesses. In 1744 Grandmaster Pinto rendered the rock completely inaccessible all around only authorised persons could cross over in a wicker basket by means of a ropeway. The rock was also guarded from the mainland. Until the middle of the last century the Government employed the guardian of Fungus Rock.
Gozo's Azure Window
The limestone arch known as the Azure Window ranks as one of the most notable sights on the Maltese island of Gozo. Its name comes from the colour of the sea, observed when looking through the gigantic archway.
Group Members Our group is made up of 5 persons Joanne Mizzi, Ritiane Bugeja, Daniela Cutajar, Alison Baldacchino and Maria-Elena Farrugia. Our age varies between 14 and 15. Although we are from different localities, we attend the same school which is Margaret Mortimer Girls’ Junior Lyceum which is situated in Santa Lucija and are in the same class. The different localities that we come from are Kirkop, Santa Lucija, Zurrieq and Gudja. Our hobbies are chatting through the internet, playing and listening to different types of music, practicing sports, drawing, cooking, dancing, watching films, hang out with friends, gossiping with friends and reading magazines. We don’t like to study a lot and to do a lot of homework. We dislike boring and strict teachers. When we go out we like to go to our capital city which is Valletta. |
Cathedral
Museum (Top & Left)
