Gozo,
which in Maltese is called Għawdex (pronounced: Awdesh), is a
derivation of other older names such as Gaulos. It has an area of 67
square kms, is 14 kms long and 7 kms wide. With a coastline of 43 km, it
is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago that, together
with the smaller isle of Comino and the main island of Malta form the
Republic of Malta. Gozo is popularly called The Island of Calypso,
that is a nickname originating from the Greek mythological location of Ogygia
referred to in Homer's Odyssey. In this epic poem, the fabled island was
controlled by the nymph Calypso, who had detained the Greek hero Odysseus
for seven long years as prisoner of love.
The
Maltese Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean - 93 km
south of Italy and 290 km north of North Africa. Gozo lies about 5 km in
the North West of Malta and the distance between Ċirkewwa in Malta
and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, involves a 25 minute ferry crossing. It
therefore enjoys warm summers and mild winters and this makes it the ideal
holiday destination at any time of the year.
The official coat-of-arms of Gozo is a field divided horizontally: the upper two thirds silver; the lower
one
third made up of six parallel wavy horizontal bands alternately silver and
black, the top one silver, the bottom one black. Upon the upper part,
three slightly pointed hills in black, the centre hill higher and in front
of the other two hills. Above the shield is a mural coronet with five
eschaugettes and a sally-port in gold. Simultaneously with this emblem,
Gozo earned its popular nickname the Island of the Three Hills
probably derived from the hilly view when observed from mainland Malta.
Throughout the years Gozo has been vastly influenced by the cultures and
history of a series of dominators including the Phoenicians, Romans,
Arabs, Normans, Spanish, the Knights of St. John, the French and the
British, who all left their mark on the cultural and the folkloristic
heritage of the population.
In comparison with mainland Malta, one finds a more varied geology and
larger relief contrasts, with typical flat-topped hills. Over 27000 people
inhabit the island and this amounts to one-twelfth of the overall
population of Malta. When compared to the overall area of the Maltese
Islands, Gozo covers approximately one-third of that area. This means that
the island of Gozo is not overpopulated, and therefore greener and quite
more peaceful.
The
main sources of income are from Tourism, Agriculture, Fishing together
with a number of small and medium-sized enterprises. Politically, Gozo and
Comino form one of the thirteen electoral districs of the Republic of
Malta. Five representatives are elected to the Maltese parliament, and to
better look after the Gozitan people's interests, one of these is always a
central government cabinet minister. Besides, each of the fourteen
localities or village communities have their own local councils
Inspired
by the mysterious and yet superbly skilful megalithic builders of the
temples of Ggantija, the Gozitans have adopted and perfected their
building tradition. Thus, Gozitan architects and stone masons have, over
the years, laboriously built churches with domes whose stunning dimensions
dwarf the villages in which they stand. Most churches were constructed
during the baroque period with the characteristic accent lying on the
grandiose and the aesthetic.
The capital town of Victoria, lies on the centre of the island. It boasts the dominant Citadel, two splendid churches, namely St George's Basilica and the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the
Virgin
Mary, several small churches and monasteries, two opera houses and various
urban commercial outlets.The Citadel is one of the most beautiful
architectural complexes on the islands. Behind its austere bastions the
Citadel hides a number of fine buildings, museums and the Cathedral.
Surrounding Victoria, are Gozo's thirteen villages, which are: San Lawrenz,
Għarb, Għasri, Xagħra, Munxar, Sannat, Fontana, Kerċem,
Żebbuġ, Xewkija, Nadur, Għajnsielem and Qala.
Villages
in Gozo reflect a way of life simultaneously rural and refined with
superbly proportioned squares and carved balconies. From the old
traditional farmhouses with their typical archways to the most
contemporary houses, the incredible amount of architectural detail is
surprising in its creativity. Balconies are embellished with balustrades,
flower pots, Georgian style facades, roof gardens and bougainvillaea.
The countryside is recognised by its rubble walls and the prickly pear hedges peeping over or bordering terraced fields. Green hills and fertile valleys separate one village from the other.
Wherever you look, the sea is always within the reach of the eye. In fact,
Gozo has an amazing coastline with its tiny creeks, sand beaches, blue
sea, majestic rock formations and protruding watchtowers. Low lying
coastal stretches of limestone, are chequered with salt pans while high
and dramatic cliffs trigger awesome emotions with their native blend of
salty air and wild herbs.
At the foot of the cliffs at Dwejra, the Azure Window is the superb
companion to another interesting landmark Fungus Rock upon which, recorded
since the times of the Knights of St. John, grows a very unique type of
fungus with alleged therapeutic properties. Close by, the Inland Sea
provides a wonderful opportunity for a boat trip with a difference.
On
the opposite side of the Island, look out for the unforgetable view from
Calypso Cave overlooking the beautiful and distinguished red sands of
Ramla Bay (the place were Calypso alledgedly entertained Odysseus).
Also for those who would not miss a chance for a swim, a short stroll, or
just to relax, the crystal clear waters of Marsalforn and Xlendi bays
beckon the visitor's appeal. Furthermore, Marsalforn and Xlendi together
with Mgarr Harbour, are Gozo's main fishing villages. Being an island, the
fishing industry has been cared for since generations. No wonder that
there is no bay which does not shelter a variety of fishing boats and with
several boathouses for their maintenance.
The
tradional fishing boat is the colourful luzzu with its normally blue
bulwark and with the eye of Osiris on white, red or brownish background on
the prow. Especially when it's calm, the reflection left by berthed
fishing boats on the water inspires a lot of artists' imagination. Most
nostalgic is also the scene of vessels leaving harbour at early dawn, or
on their return at sunset. The image of luzzijiet with their bows
skimming through the calm blue water, leaving behind streams of silver
ripples is simply unforgetable. The day's catch is, apart from any
romanticism, obviously the toiling fisherman's most important aspect of
his trade.