Explore the Museums at the Citadel in Gozo
With its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, the Cittadella, Gozo’s ancient fortified city, serves as the island’s most prominent landmark, visible from every corner of the island. Within the Citadel, you’ll find a collection of intriguing museums and a state-of-the-art Visitors’ Centre, including the Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Magazine, the Grain Silos, the Battery, and the World War II Shelter.
Gozo Museum of Archaeology
Delve into Gozo’s rich cultural history at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, located in the heart of the Citadel. Featuring artifacts from various archaeological sites across the island, the museum presents thematic displays that highlight Gozo’s heritage from prehistoric times to the early modern period.
The Old Prison
The Old Prison, a notable part of the Citadel, offers a poignant look into Gozo’s penal history. As the oldest surviving prison on the island, its walls echo the stories of countless inmates who have left their marks in the form of historical graffiti. This museum houses the largest known collection of such graffiti in the Maltese Islands, providing a fascinating glimpse into the conditions faced by prisoners of the past.
Gran Castello Historic House (Folklore Museum)
The Gran Castello Historic House, also known as the Folklore Museum, showcases an extensive array of artifacts reflecting the domestic, rural, and traditional lifestyles of the people of Malta and Gozo throughout the centuries. Highlights include a vegetable grading machine, a beast-driven mill, a cotton gin, miniature stone toys, a large lace-making bolster, and a blacksmith’s workshop.
Gozo Nature Museum
Journey through the natural wonders of Gozo at the Gozo Nature Museum, which features everything from ancient fossils to exquisite butterflies and even moonstone fragments. A small garden behind the museum is dedicated to garigue flora, showcasing examples of the island’s indigenous plant species.
The Cathedral Museum
The Cathedral Museum offers an in-depth exploration of Gozo’s unique ecclesiastical heritage. Spread over three levels, with accessibility options, the museum houses a remarkable Silver Vault on Level 1, featuring exquisite ecclesiastical silverware, including a beautifully crafted solid silver crucifix and matching candlesticks used during the feast of Santa Marija.
Level 2 presents the History and Memorabilia section, showcasing items that tell the story of the cathedral, including the former landau of the bishops of Gozo, which dates back to the early 1860s and was used for special occasions until 1945.
To fully immerse yourself in Gozo’s extraordinary past, consider purchasing the Citadella Combo ticket. This ticket grants one-time admission to the following museums and sites: Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House, Gozo Nature Museum, The Old Prison, and the Citadel Visitor Centre. Start your journey at the Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the island’s rich history, then explore the Citadel’s winding medieval streets and enjoy breathtaking views. Discover the fascinating stories of Gozo’s people, flora, and fauna as you wander through this historic hilltop fortress.
