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The story of Gozo is as engrossing as the one of Malta. No wonder this small island, known as “The Island of the Three Hills”, abounds with historically-interesting sites. Foremost among these is the Citadel, whose origin can be traced back to Phoenician settlers. Indeed, since the earliest times, this steeply rising hillock has always been regarded as symbolic of the entire island.
The Romans accorded it legal recognition, and gave it the name of ‘Gaulus’. A Latin inscription demonstrates the esteem shown by the Roman Government in honouring Gaulus with the title of ‘municipium’, which meant that the island could benefit from the same legal rights enjoyed by the People of Rome.
Later, Arab conquerors exploited the strategic prominence of the Citadel, giving it the features of a fort and calling it ‘The Castle’.
On the 27 of July, 1551, the island of Gozo suffered a terrible fate. An Ottoman naval force under Siman Basha sailed stealthily into its shores. Besides leaving it in a complete state of devastation, the Ottomans captured six thousand of the island’s inhabitants, dragging them away on board their ships to be sold as slaves. Only three hundred Gozitans escaped the scourge of slavery; forty of whom could well ascribe this fortunate outcome to old age. This event lead Grand Master D’Homedes to embark upon a project that would see the island amply fortified. Grand Master Garzes followed on the steps of D’Homedes and the work was finally completed under Grand Master La Vallette in 1567.
In order to avoid a repetition of this dreadful occurance, an order was proclaimed, decreeing that every Gozitan should observe a curfew and retire for the night within the walls of the Citadel. However, this order required efficient administration and was soon forgotten.
In the Citadel the visitor encounters a variety of museums, among them the Cathedral Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Armoury. Two other historical buildings, as well as the Clock Tower, are found in the central part. The Court of Justice was built under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt in the early 17th century and annexed with the old prison. Opposite the Court of Justice is the building of the Public Registry, originally set up as the residence for the Governor of Gozo.
Illusory Dome An artistic highlight at the Citadella is the masterpiece by Sicilian painter Antonio Manuele, an illusory dome inside Santa Maria’s Cathedral which is a dazzling trompe l’oeil. Designed by Lorenzo Gafa, this cathedral is adorned with excellent monuments and paintings. Besides the Cahedral Church, there are two other smaller churches inside the Cittadella, one dedicated to Saint Joseph and the other to Saint Barbara.
A wonderful spectacle of imposing bastions, high ramparts, and countless other relics from the past: all these attributes testify to the paramount importance the Cittadella has held ever since olden times.
