All Roads in Gozo Lead to the Cittadella in Victoria

Located in Victoria, right in the centre of the island of Gozo, the origins of the Cittadella can be traced back to the Bronze Age.

However, the Cittadella that we see today dates back to the 1530’s, when the Knights of St John decided to strengthen the island's defences against the Ottoman Empire’s attacks - of which there were quite a few. During these precarious times, the Gozitans were required to spend the nights within its walls, for safety reasons.

The construction of the Cittadella properly began in the late 1500’s and took 23 years to complete. It was built on the highest point on Gozo to provide a strategic advantage to the Knights, as it allowed them to monitor the surrounding sea and land.

Legend Has It…

According to legend, the Cittadella was cursed by a young woman who was unjustly sentenced to death by the Knights of St John. The woman prophesied that the Cittadella would be destroyed by lightning, and indeed, it was struck by lightning several times.

In fact, one of the most devastating lightning strikes occurred in 1551, when lightning ignited a powder magazine within the Cittadella, causing a massive explosion that destroyed much of the fortress and killing several locals who were seeking refuge there.

The Cittadella was later rebuilt, but it was struck by lightning again in the 1800’s, causing significant damage to some of its towers and walls.

The Cittadella Today

Today, the Cittadella makes part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is recognised for its outstanding universal value, with its walls, imposing bastions, and buildings considered to be exceptional examples of military and architectural design. It is certainly one of the most important historical landmarks in Gozo, due to its rich history that spans over several centuries.

Here is a list of visitor places found within the Cittadella to appreciate its history:

The Cathedral Museum | The Museum of Archaeology | The Folklore Museum | The Gozo Nature Museum | The Old Prison | The Gunpowder Magazine | The Grain Silos | The Battery | The World War II Shelter.