Christine Cassar
The Citadel is regarded as one of Gozo’s crown jewels. Essentially, it’s a museum in its own right since it houses many historic buildings and several on-site museums that shed light on Gozo’s rich heritage and cultural treasures.
Keen to learn more about this fascinating place? This visitors’ guide to the Citadel in Gozo compiles all the information you need about key points to visit, things to do, insider tips, and more.
Sitting proudly on a fortified hill in the city of Victoria, the Citadel’s skyline and military architecture can be seen from different parts of Gozo. That alone makes the ancient fortified city entirely worth visiting.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited the Citadel on almost every trip to Gozo. Whether I plan to see one of the on-site museums I haven’t been to yet or wander around the streets, I never tire of visiting. In a nutshell, it’s truly one of the most remarkable landmarks I’ve ever seen.
Located in the main square of this ancient fortified town is the Cathedral. Designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa, the Cathedral was built in the shape of a Latin cross between 1690 and 1711 on the former site of an older church.
You’ll find the Gozo Cathedral Museum just a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral. Here, you can find a vast collection of cultural treasures, including paintings, clerical vestments, silverware, and a column fragment of the early Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno.
Go on a journey through time as you walk through the Gran Castello Historic House (formerly known as the Folklore Museum). Situated within a cluster of medieval houses on Bernardo De Opuo Street, you’ll find a range of exhibits showcasing how Gozitan history, folklore, and the quintessential local lifestyle of the 18th century shaped the Maltese Islands for years to come.
Adjacent to the Courts of Justice, you’ll find the Old Prison Museum. Renowned as the oldest surviving prison in Gozo, the walls of the well-preserved prison cells tell different stories through the historical graffiti (e.g., crosses, ships, names, dates, games, and calendars) carved by the inmates.
The complex features two sections: the entrance hall originally served as a common cell in the 19th century (presently showcasing the prison-related artefacts and graffiti), and a free-standing block with six individual cells.
Interestingly, Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette — a notable figure during the rule of the Knights of St John — was also imprisoned here.
Located behind the Citadel’s original entrance, you’ll find the Gozo Museum of Archaeology. Housed within the 17th-century townhouse that once belonged to the Bondì family, it was inaugurated in May 1960 as the first public museum in Gozo.
The museum has a permanent display of ethnographical and archaeological remains spread across three main sections: Prehistory, the Classical Period, and the Early Modern and Medieval periods.
Formerly known as the Natural Science Museum, the Nature Museum showcases a unique exhibition of Gozo’s natural resources, their history, and use by the island’s inhabitants.
Housed in two old water reservoirs built in the 1870s within the Cittadella Ditch, you’ll find the Cittadella Visitors’ Centre.
Featuring two main areas, the first one offers more insights into the history and evolution of the Citadel via interactive touch screens and printed panels. Meanwhile, the second area has been converted into a surround theatre where visitors have the opportunity to watch an eight-minute video about some of the most significant moments in the Citadel’s history. (Info is available in eight languages)
Over the years the Visitors’ Centre has won multiple local and international awards including Best Visitor Attraction Project 201 by AV Awards in London, Certificate of Excellence for 2017 by TripAdvisor, Top Choice Tourist Attraction 2017 by Lian Org for China, Japan & Asian countries, the TEA Award – Best Themed Entertainment Award in California and Travellers’ Choice by Trip Advisor in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Cathedral Square is the beating heart of the Citadella of Gozo. Amongst the old buildings in the area, you’ll find the glorious Cathedral dedicated to Santa Marija, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Law Courts.
As you wander around the narrow streets around the square, keep your eyes peeled for holy niches, coats of arms, and stunning Norman arches and windows dotted along the way.
While a daytime visit to the Citadel is a must, especially if you want to visit any museums, don’t miss out on walking around its winding streets and walls when night falls.
It’s a pity many tourists miss out on this, as the Citadel is just as beautiful (if not more!) as it is during the day. I’ve done this multiple times because there’s always a sense of tranquillity in the air, without it being disturbed by the flocks of crowds during the day.
Insider Tip
Gozo’s Citadel is a treasure trove for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home. From hand-painted ceramics to intricate filigree items and other bits and bobs, I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love for yourself and your loved ones.
Did you know that the Citadel also houses lesser-known passages known as sally ports? Essentially, these are tunnels used for military purposes to facilitate easier access between the ditch and the Citadel. Two sally ports can lead you to the Cittadella; one is located behind the Visitors’ Centre, while the other is near the ditch.
Insider Tip
Bear in mind that there are several steps in the tunnel, so if your mobility is limited or you are carrying a pushchair, you can access the ditch near the Visitors’ Centre.
During the last few years, the ancient fortified city hosted its annual Science in the Citadel event. If you’re interested in learning more about science through interesting exhibits, activities, and other entertainment for the whole family, don’t miss out!
Alongside visiting the museums and other key points of interest, make sure to spend some time taking in the unbeatable views of the surrounding countryside and the entire island from St Martin Cavalier Bastion — the highest point of the Citadel.
Nearby, you’ll also find some kiosks, ideal for a quick coffee/lunch break!
Since Gozo’s Citadel is located in the city of Victoria, it goes without saying that you should spend some time in the heart of the capital city. You can visit the Villa Rundle Gardens, get a bargain or more souvenirs from the open-air market known in Independence Square known as It-Tokk, get lost in the charm of the backstreets of the city, shop till you drop at the Duke Shopping Mall and Arkadia, and of course, enjoy a meal at a great restaurant.
Check out more info about Victoria in this guide: Exploring Victoria Gozo: What to See and Do + Top Tips
The Malta Public Transport bus network makes it easy for tourists on a budget to discover Gozo’s towns and villages.
A ticket costs €2.00 for a daytime fare (make sure you have small change!). Once you get off the Gozo Channel ferry, hop on bus route 301 from Mġarr Harbour, which will take you directly to the Victoria bus terminus. Depending on the traffic, the journey is around 20-30 minutes. Once you arrive at the bus terminus, the Citadel is roughly 10 minutes away on foot.
If you’d rather enjoy a hassle-free day without waiting around for public transport or trying to navigate through roads you’re not familiar with, an organised day tour is your best bet.
Here are some day trips I tried and tested and ultimately recommend wholeheartedly!
A rental car is your best bet if you’d rather make your own way around Victoria and the rest of Gozo Island, since you’ll have the flexibility to discover landmarks and hidden gems without any time restrictions.
Prices start from as little as €10 a day, depending on the time you’re visiting, the car model & any other essentials you require.
It’s no secret that the long history behind Gozo’s Citadel is quite fascinating; Every ruler left their mark on it until it became known as the ancient fortress that it is today.
Legend has it that it has been inhabited since the Stone Age due to the discovery of ceramics within the walls of the Citadel.
Given its prime position in Rabat, the Citadel sought to become the main administrative centre during Phoenician and Roman times. Referred to as Galulcouis Civitas at the time, the Citadel featured an acropolis and a fortified town within the area we know now as Victoria. Other discoveries included a temple dedicated to the goddess Juno in the very same space now occupied by the grand Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption.
Moving on to the Middle Ages, the Acropolis was transformed into a medieval castle. It served its purpose of protecting the Gozitans from piratical attacks. While both the main island and Gozo experienced their fair share of attacks, it is evident that Gozo experienced more tumultuous periods during its history. There came a time when the castle’s defences deteriorated and the Ottomans successfully invaded the Citadel in 1551.
Following the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights refortified the Citadel. The southern walls were completely rebuilt as a bastioned enclosure with a single bastion and two demi-bastions connected by curtain walls, two cavaliers, and a ditch. Meanwhile, parts of the northern walls were also reconstructed while retaining their features dating back to medieval times. Additionally, three large grain silos and a gunpowder magazine were built during the mid-17th century refortification of the Citadel.
Eventually, an order was issued for the locals for their own safety to use the Citadel as a sanctuary during the night until 1637. Eventually, the restriction was lifted, and people started experiencing life beyond the walls of the Citadel.
While there were fewer conflicts during the French occupation, the Citadel was once again occupied during Napoleon’s rule between 1798 and 1799. Once the French garrison lost power, the British transferred control of Gozo’s Citadel to the Gozitans.
Back in 2006, restoration plans were set in motion to give the Citadel a new life. By 2008, it underwent the first restoration phase to stabilise the fortification itself and the bedrock. Fast-forward to 2014-2016, the second part was carried out, where the façades of the age-old buildings were restored to their former glory, and all the ruins were cleaned. Additionally, the main square and streets were paved, the ditch was transformed into a recreational area, and the reservoir in the ditch became known as the Citadel Visitors’ Centre.
By the time all the excavation works were complete, more archaeological deposits such as the Bronze Age silos and the old entrance of the Citadel were also unearthed.
Eventually, it was inaugurated on 30th June 2016. Since then, the restoration project was awarded the prestigious 15th-anniversary RegioStars International Awards in 2022.
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