Discover Gozo

Tag: Information

  • Lunzjata Valley The Geat Fountain

    The picturesque 17th-century fountain in Lunzjata Valley, a well loved landmark in Kercem, Gozo, was restored in 2007 by Din l-Art Helwa in a joint project with the Kercem Local Council. The restoration was made possible with the generous support of the Alfred Mizzi Foundation who sponsored the work.

    The fountain, which had suffered the decay of time and erosion, was built in 1698 by Ercole Martino Testaferrata who was appointed by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful to create a niche over the natural spring that gushes forth at this spot. The Lunzjata valley, which had abundant springs whose waters fell into Xlendi Valley, takes its name from the nearby medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation. This verdant and lush area was used by the Order of the Knights as a place of recreation.

    The fountain was used by the many Gozitans who came to obtain precious water from this side of the valley. It bears a Latin inscription, as well as two coat-of arms: the one at the top of the fountain belongs to Ercole Testaferrata and the other to Grand Master Perellos.

    The fountain is viewable at all times.

  • Dwejra Tower – Gozo

    Dwejra Tower – Gozo

    Dwejra Tower is situated just off the road leading to the small enclosed bay at Dwejra in Gozo, known as the ‘inland sea’. It was completed in 1652 and periodically used by British forces up to the second World War when it was used as an observation post.

    It was completed in 1652 during the time of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar and funded by the Universita’ of Gozo. A Capo Mastro or Castellano was in charge of the Tower and raised money to cover expenses by producing salt from the salt pans in front of the Tower. In 1744 Grand Master Pinto had the sides of nearby Fungus Rock, home of the fabled fungus that had special medicinal powers, smoothed over to make access more difficult.

    The Tower was still in use during the eighteenth century when it was equipped with three 6-pounder guns. It was manned by the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery between 1839 and 1873 but then abandoned. During the summer of 1914 Maltese troops from the King’s Own Malta Regiment and the Royal Malta Artillery were dispatched to the coastal watch towers and Dwejra Tower was manned by No 3 Company with two, later four, 12-pounder guns. During the Second World War the Tower was used as an Observation Post. One recorded incident was the rescue of a Royal Air Force pilot, whose Spitfire had crashed in Dwejra Bay in 1942, by Captain Frank Debono and Carmelo Zahra of Victoria.

    In 1956 the Tower was leased to Gerald de Trafford for a period of fifty years. It was passed on loan to Din l-Art Helwa who commenced restoration work in 1997, which was completed two years later. A considerable amount of stonework had to be replaced on the outside and flagstones laid inside.

    The Tower is open to the public Monday to Friday and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.30 to 12.30 and 13.15 to 15.30, when the flag is flying. Requests for school group visits please contact info@dinlarthelwa.org

    Bookings may be made for visits by schools by contacting Mario Gauci 2156 0641 / 7956 0641 or email mario.gauci5@gmail.com

  • Isopu Tower – Nadur

    San Blas Tower, also known as ‘it-Torri ta’ Isopu’, is situated on the cliff between San Blas and Dahlet Qorrot. It was built in 1667 during the reign of Grandmaster Nicholas Cottoner at the expense of the Universita of Gozo. The guns of this Tower opened fire on the French fleet in June 1798, a distinction which no other Tower can claim!

    It is square in shape, with thick battered inwardly-sloping walls. Internally, the Tower consists of a high barrel vault with an intermediate floor resting on rib arches. A spiral staircase provides access to the various floors. Due to the remote location and inaccessibility of the Tower, the restoration work was carried out entirely by hand by Leli Saliba, known as ‘il-Bufajra’, and his son. The spiral staircase was non-existent and had to be built from scratch. The interior of the Tower had collapsed, and the roof was completely rebuilt, modelled on the sole surviving original arch, which is still visible today.

    Over a period of 3 years, the Tower was restored as a collaborative project between Din l-Art Helwa and the Local Council of Nadur. Din l-Art Helwa is very proud to have saved this Tower for the nation, and has signed a management partnership agreement with the Nadur Local Council to ensure that the use of the Tower for cultural heritage purposes will be encouraged and carefully managed.

    The expenses of the restoration project were shared equally by Din l-Art Helwa and the Nadur Local Council. The funds contributed by Din l-Art Helwa were donated by the late Marjorie Woolf.

    The Tower is now open for visitors on the first and third Sundays each month from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Plans are also underway to use it as visitor centre, acting as the first stop along a planned ‘nature trail’ for both tourists and locals, thus encouraging walking tours across the magnificent scenic countryside that this location has to offer.

    The areas around the tower, known as il-Qortin ta’ Isopu and il-Qortin ta’ Mangun have been designated as a special conservation area (SAC) due to their high scenic and ecological value. This area has been included in the list of sites for the Natura 2000 scheme.

    For more information about this site contact carolync@maltanet.net

  • Tourism on Gozo

    Our aim is the promotion of Gozo as a distinct tourism destination reflecting the island’s regional dimension. One of our many goals to to promote Gozo as an all year round tourism destination, we want to enable the tourism Industry to be a central economic activity, taking advantage of the various indigenous comparative strengths across the different seasons.

  • Gozo Events

    Gozo Events

    Calendar of Gozo Events , information of coming events on Gozo.

    Where to go, what to see, cultural events, festa, fireworks display, marching bands, exhibitions.

     

    Name of eventDateDescriptionLocation
    Icons Exhibition28/02 to 12/04/2015An exhibition of Icons by Vincent Mangani – Episodes from Good FridayKarmni Grima Musuem Gharb Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00
    Procession Easter20-03-15A procession starting from Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception to Qala Parish Church on the tenth anniversary of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, followed by a solemn Eucharistic Celebration.Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception Qala 18.00
    Divinita – Exibition20/03/2015 to 5/04/2015Divinita – Exibition by Michael Cutajar ZahraIl-Hagar Museum Victoria during the day
    Gozo International Celebration21-03-15Gozo International Celebration, with participation of the Joy Gospel Singers and the Qala Magnificat ChoirQala Parish Church 18.30
    The Road to The Crucifixion21-03-15A Pageant of the Passion of Christ enacted along the street of VictoriaSt Francis Square Victoria 19:00
    Ta Pinu Via Sagra22-03-15Via Crucis Ta Ghammar Hill a Pinu Gharb – Bishop Mario Grech will lead this Religious serviceTa Ghammar Hill ta Pinu Gharb 18.30
    Art Exhibition26/3/2015 to 8/04/2015An Exhibition of painting by the well known painter Chev Paul Camilleri CauchiBanca Guratale  Victoria Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00 and Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00
    Our Lady of Sorrows Pageant27-03-15Our Lady of Sorrows Pageant, Around 100 actors dressed as biblical characters will take part in a procession at ta Passi and Fort ChambrayMain street of Ghajnsielem 18.00
    Our Lady of Sorrows Pageant27-03-15Our Lady of Sorrows PageantMain Street of Kercem, 18.15
    Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows27-03-15One finds a deep rooted devotion to the Sorrowing Mother and the feast is celebrated with utmost religiosity. The statue is accompanied by the clergy and the faithful reciting the rosary and singing hymns for the occasion while the band plays funeral marches, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.Around Ġgantija Plots (Xagħra, Gozo) starts 18:00
    Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Open air Mass27-03-15Our Lady of Sorrows – A Eucharistic celebration will be held outside St James ChurchIndependence Square Victoria 18.30
    Our Lady of Sorrows Pageant27-03-15Our Lady of Sorrows PageantMain Street of Xewkija 19.30
    Sacred Music Concert by La Stella Philharmonic Band28-03-20A concert of sacred music and religious literature by the La Stella Philharmonic Band (dir: Prof. Joseph Vella) and the Laudate Pueri Choir (dir: Can. George J. Frendo).St George’s Basilica, Victoria, Gozo at 20:00 hrs
    Sacred Sculpture Exhibition 29/03/2015 to 5/04/2015Sacred Sculpture Exhibition by Mario AgiusScared Heart Seminary Victoria – during the day
    Palm Sunday31-03-15Commencing at Ta Passi Field, this activity will consist of Jesus triumphal entry to Jerusalem, the inauguration of the Lord’s SupperTa Passi Field Ghajsnielem 17.00
    Good Friday Procession29-03-15Good Friday ProcessionMain Street Qala 18.30
    Good Friday Penitential Procession02-04-15The oldest Passion Procession in Gozo, organized by St George’s Basilica, with the participation of the Collegiate Chapter and clergy, the La Stella (Victoria) and Konti Ruġġieru (Rabat) Philharmonic Bands, and the Laudate Pueri Choir.St George’s Basilica and main streets of Victoria, Gozo at  19:00 hrs
    Reenactment of the Last Supper 02-04-15Reenactment of the Last Supper at Ta Passi Field.Ta Passi Field Ghajsnielem 20.30 to 23.30
    Reenactment of the Last Supper 02-04-15Reenactment of the Last Supper at Ta Passi Field.Ta Passi Field Ghajsnielem 9.00 to 12.00
    Good Friday Procession03-04-15Good Friday pageant-procession with several biblical characters and tableau statues depicting the mysteries of the suffering of Jesus Christ, accompanied by the Leone Band.Issues from the Gozo Cathedral (Citadel), through the streets of Victoria historic centre.  From 16:00
    Good Friday Procession03-04-15Solemn procession of statues carried by pallbearers representing episodes in the Passion of the Christ, as well as participants dressed as biblical characters. The procession also includes men in penitence bearing crosses or dragging chains. Main Streets of Nadur 17:00
    Easter Egg HuntEaster weekA ‘Mega Easter Egg Hunt’ organized by Ghajnsielem Local Council and Buzzy Kids EntertainmentGhajnsielem Playing Field, Pjazza tad-Dehra, Ghajnsielem 13:00
    Easter Procession05-04-15Religious Demonstration with the statue of the Risen Lord, with the participation of the La Stella BandSt George’s Basilica and main streets of Victoria, Gozo at 08.45hrs
    Easter Sunday March05-04-15The Leone Band accompanies the statue of the Resurrected Jesus Christ with festive marches. Issues from the Gozo Cathedral (Citadel), through Savina Square and Independence Square. 10.30am onwards.
    Risen Christ Procession 05-04-15Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ along the main streets of Nadur.Main Streets of Nadur 09:30am
    40th edition of the Gozo Half Marathon26-04-1540th edition of the Gozo Half Marathon For more information please visit www.gozomarathon.org. The organizers can be contacted through email on info@gozomarathon.org or by telephone on 79797957.All races start at 9.15 am and conveniently start and end at the Xaghra Square
    Feast  of St. Joseph03-05-15The procession with the statue of St. Joseph will be led by the three Confraternities of the Parish followed by the clergy and the faithful  reciting prayers. The Victory Band will be playing religious marches along the route.Victory Square and nearby streets, Xagħra -19.00
    Mothers’ Day Open Market03-05-15Various stalls set up will be selling all sorts of items including food, clothing and household goods.St Peter and St Paul Square and the surrounding areas  08:00am onwards 
    Feast of Corpus Christi07-06-15A procession with the Blessed Sacrament will be held. Children, girls  wearing white robes and boys in the traditional costume, the zimarra, will walk in front of the Blessed Sagrament scattering petals. Along the route houses are decorated with red banners and with plants, in homage to the Blessed Sacrament.Victory Square and nearby streets, Xagħra – 9.30
    Victoria International Arts Festival10-06-2015 to 13-07-2015The Victoria International Arts Festival is a full 5-week run of uninterrupted cultural activities, offered to the public free of charge.  The Festival is the longest-running artistic activity on the Maltese islands, spanning five weeks of uninterrupted, high-powered musical activity, with no fewer than 33 concerts every evening. The Festival occurs at a period which heralds the summer months, and brings to Gozo over 600 musicians and their accompanists to spend time on the island.St George’s Basilica, Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia, Il-Ħaġar Museum, others main cultural sites in Victoria, Gozo. At  20:00 hrs
    Fiori D’Argenta13-06-15A festival of culture, music and traditionsSt. John The Baptist Square, Xewkija at 7.30p.m.
    Leone Goes POP13-06-15Open-air pop concert featuring the Leone Band and established local singers and entertainment artistes. Independence Square from 21:00
    Fiori D’Argenta14-06-15On Sunday a horses defile is heldSt. Bert Street to St. John Square
    Imnarja Feast Activities19-06-2015  to  29-06-2015A number of events are to be held during these days to celebrate the feast of Imnarja. Various locations in Nadur. 
    Imnarja Agricultural Fair20-06-15 The event includes various displays of agricultural products, crafts, traditional food and farm machinery, as well as entertainment which will be provided throughout Saturday evening and the blessing of farm animals and pets on Sunday morning.Arcipriet Martin Camilleri Square (il-Pjazzetta) 20:30
    Imnarja Agricultural Fair20-06-15 The event includes various displays of agricultural products, crafts, traditional food and farm machinery, as well as entertainment which will be provided throughout Saturday evening and the blessing of farm animals and pets on Sunday morning.Arcipriet Martin Camilleri Square (il-Pjazzetta)  08:30
    St George’s Titular Feast04-07-2015  to 19-07-2015Internal and external activities honouring St George, Gozo’s Patron Saint.  The programme, which stretches on two to three weeks, kicks of with the Spiritual Novena, and then with a Solemn Triduum.  St George’s Feast is renowned for the traditional religious character which it has retained, attracting locals and foreigners alike who pack the Basilica to listen to the magnificent music composed for the festive days.  The Pontifical High Mass and Procession are the apex of a week-long programmed of celebrations.St George’s Basilica, Victoria, Gozo.
    Festa Santa Marija : The Assumption of Our Lady08-08-2015 to 15-08-2015A week-long programme of events containing an open-air evening band concert, festive marches renowned for their joyful revelry, aerial and ground fireworks, street decorations, a morning children’s-parade, the traditional morning march, national street horse-races, an open-air agricultural show. The climax is reached on August 15th, with the solemn procession in which the statue of Santa Marija is paraded shoulder high as it is accompanied by the Leone Band from the Gozo Cathedral, within the Citadel, around the streets of the historic-centre of Victoria. Spectacular aerial fireworks accompany.Issues from the Gozo Cathedral (Citadel), through the streets of Victoria historic centre.
    Ghajnsielem Fest Mid AugustAn evening of song & dance presenting local talent Ghajnsielem
    St John Martyrdom  29-08-15A traditional dinnar is organized with entertainment of song and music at 8.00p.m. Afterwards there will be the traditional Bonfire of St. John the BaptistSt. John The Baptist Square, Xewkija at 20.00
    Anniversary of the crowning of the statue of the Bambina02-09-15Band march starting from Victory Square along 8th Sept Avenue.Victory Square and along 8th Sept Avenue, Xagħra at 21.30
    Feast of Marija Bambina06-09-15Demonstration with the statue of Our Lady of Victories. Bands will accompany the statue of Marija Bambina along the route from Nazzarenu to the Square.   Meanwhile another band will be playing on the Square.Nazzarenu to Victory Square, Xagħra at 21.30
    Commemoration of the Great Siege and Second World War07-09-15A ceremony to commemorate the Great Siege, the Second World War and the protection of Marija Bambina over the Maltese Islands. Re-enactment of the Entrance of the Grand Master and of an air-raid.Victory Square, Xagħra  at 10.00
    Feast of Marija Bambina07-09-15Fireworks display at in-Nuffara followed by festive marches on the square and the surrounding streets.8th September Avenue and the Square, Xagħra at 21.00
    Feast of Marija Bambina08-09-15A popular band march on the square.Victory Square, Xagħra at 11.00
    Feast of Marija Bambina08-09-15As the statue of Marija Bambina is carried out of the church, the Victory Band will perform the hymn ‘Ħdejn in-Nieqa ta’ Marija’  with the participation of soloists and the choir of the same Society. The band will then accompany the procession with religious marches.Victory Square and main streets Xaghra at 19.00
    Qala International Folk Festival18/09/2015 to 20/09/2015International Folk Conference, It-Tieg l-Antik, Spectacle of dance, singing, music and costumes performed by local and foreign folk groupsSt. Joseph’s Square at 19.30.
    Feast of Jesus the Nazzarene27-09-15A procession with the Blessed Sagrament. The Victory Band will accompany the procession. Afterwards there will be a show of music and song, a wine-tasting competition and a Wine and Pizza Party. Area of In-Nazzarenu, Xagħra at 18.00
    Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary04-10-15A procession with the statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary will be held along the main streets of the town with the faithful reciting the Rosary and singing Marian hymns along the way.Victory Square and main streets   Xagħra at 18.00
    Opera: La Traviata17-10-15Full scale opera at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora, with the participation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and world-renowned singers. More information via www.teatruaurora.comTeatru tal-Opra Aurora, Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
    Opera: La Boheme29-10-15Lyric Opera by Giacomo PucciniTeatru Astra, Republic Street Victoria at 19.30
    Opera: La Boheme31-10-15Lyric Opera by Giacomo PucciniTeatru Astra, Republic Street Victoria at 19.30 
    Leone Band in concert – Annual Symphonic Concert07-11-15Leone Band in Concert; the annual musical concert in which the Leone Band performs a mix of classical, operatic and popular twentieth-century symphonic music.Teatru tal-Opra Aurora, Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
    Xewkija Day21-11-15We celebrate Xewkija Day a concert is held at the Centre Parish Church and a person from Xewkija will be commemorated with the prize of “Gieh ix-Xewkija” a person who has worked without personal interest for the village of Xewkija and she/he is nominated from the non government organizations in XewkijaXewkija Parish Church
    Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem 01-12-15Experience the timeless story of NativityTa Passi Ghajnsielem 
    Traditional Procession with Baby Jesus25-12-15In this procession children and people of all ages take part. The procession starts at the premises of the boys’ section of MUSEUM. Elder boys carry the statue of Baby Jesus while young boys carry lanterns. The Victory Band accompanies choirs singing carols.Dun Ġorġ Preca Street to the church, Xagħra at 17.00