No visitor to Gozo can have a complete experience of the island without paying a visit to the iconic landmark of Gozo, the Ċittadella. For centuries, the island’s fortified city has offered shelter to its inhabitants, has witnessed the Gozitans’ darkest hours as well as those of glory, has undergone a long period of neglect and abandonment and now, like a phoenix, is rising again from its ashes, a monument to the islanders’ resilience over the centuries.
Over the last few centuries, since the beginning of the gradual abandonment of the Ċittadella in the mid-17th century, there are records of interventions having been undertaken for the preservation of this historic site, and although several attempts at restoration were undertaken during the 1980s and 1990s, resources were always limited and consequently the work undertaken was mainly cosmetic.
Thanks to substantial EU co-financing, the Ċittadella has been given a new lease of life, is back in shape and ready to welcome its visitors following a number of years of intensive work involving all areas both within and in its immediate surroundings.
The Ċittadella Masterplan, financed by the European Economic Area (EEA) financial mechanisms completed in 2010 – a document based on wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders and the general public – made a number of recommendations for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Ċittadella. Following its conclusion, the Gozo Ministry applied for EU funding to be able to carry out this ambitious project, for the first time addressing most of the problems facing the Ċittadella in a holistic manner.
Funds for the implementation of the project were secured by the Gozo Ministry in 2012 and, on taking office in March 2013, my Ministry has worked tirelessly to get the project started, implemented and concluded.
Within the short timeframe at our disposal, we issued no fewer than 21 tenders, all of which had to be evaluated and contracts awarded so that work could start and be completed in the shortest possible time. EU co-funded projects have to be implemented within strict deadlines and this particular project had to be implemented in a period of less than three years, notwithstanding its complexity and magnitude.
It was not an easy task. The Ċittadella is a site of unique importance from various aspects, be it archaeological, historical, architectural, military or natural. We were aware of the archaeological potential of the site but the finds themselves exceeded everybody’s expectations. Bronze Age silos, Roman walls, mediaeval remains and features, the almost intact Knights and British period access roads and the enigmatic stone circle in Cathedral Square were revealed during the work and action had to be taken to preserve and integrate these discoveries in the project. As a consequence, the original project had to undergo significant modifications and delays so that these finds could be presented as added attractions to the experience of visitors to the Ċittadella. All the work was carried out under the constant supervision of the archaeological monitors, who worked closely with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to carefully uncover, document and – where necessary –preserve in-situ important archaeological remains and features. The voluminous documentation deposited with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage attests to the painstaking work undertaken by archaeologists throughout all the work carried out at the Ċittadella.
Even if, to the untrained eye, the interventions appeared drastic and extensive, with heavy machinery overwhelming the experience of every visitor to the Ċittadella in the last few years, the project team was tasked with preserving and protecting even the tiniest of plants growing within the Ċittadella enclosure, affording protection to endemic and rare flora and fauna species which earned this site a ‘Natura 2000’ status.
The work undertaken as part of the project co-financed by the EU entitled ‘Implementation of the Ċittadella Masterplan Recommendations’ ERDF 246 included a number of projects intended to restore, consolidate, rehabilitate and refurbish most areas both inside and outside the Ċittadella. By the end of 2015, more than €12.4 million of the funds allocated for this project had been used.
One of the major components of the project was definitely the conversion of two unused water reservoirs into a visitors’ centre. Apart from making it possible for visitors to experience the space of the water reservoirs from within, this centre will fill a long-felt absence of interpretation and information on the Ċittadella. The centre, which is equipped with audio-visual and interpretative material in eight languages, will definitely be an added attraction for all visitors to the Ċittadella. Even in the execution of this component, archaeological finds dictated that plans be altered so that these could be preserved.
Another component was the reconstruction of the Ċittadella paths, piazza and streets. This project saw the re-routing of all services through underground culverts and sleeves. All the streets and public spaces in the Ċittadella have been re-paved, thus replacing significant stretches of stepped streets made during the last century with ramped streets, providing improved accessibility. Previously inaccessible areas are now accessible for the first time with the introduction of lifts, chair-lifts and lifting platforms. The square in front of the Cathedral, the most important open-space in the Ċittadella, has been levelled to enable the holding of cultural and religious activities in evocative surroundings. Because of the significant historical structures uncovered in the area surrounding the two arches through which access is gained into the Ċittadella, the original plans for this area have undergone dramatic change three times. This also resulted in a number of justified delays but today we are proud of giving back to the Ċittadella parts of the original ditch in front of the main entrance which had been obliterated from public view for more than 150 years. Visitors will also be able to admire the original Knights and British period interventions on the main access road to the Ċittadella underneath the structures of the newly constructed access road. Two sally ports, which had been blocked for 150 years, are also being opened for public access.
The ruins, which for many years have been a constant source of complaints due to their abandoned and derelict state, have been acquired by the government through funds made available by this same project. The rubble walls delineating their outline and divisions have been reconstructed and invasive vegetation removed. Today, these ruins present a more well-kept environment affording the required space for natural species to thrive and at the same time protecting the important archaeological deposits beneath.
A major transformation has been carried out in the ditch surrounding a substantial part of the Ċittadella fortifications. This area which, for many years, has been the scene of neglect and abandonment, has been transformed into a most pleasant leisure area, suitable for the holding of cultural events or just for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets of Victoria. It is a paradise that is yet to be discovered by the general public, particularly the residents of Victoria.
This and much more can be experienced and admired on a visit to the Ċittadella. The work is due to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister at the end of this month, but the Ċittadella is an ongoing project requiring constant maintenance and upkeep. The Gozo Ministry is coordinating a number of cultural events to mark the inauguration of the work undertaken as part of this project. Details of these activities are available on www.facebook.com/cittadellagozo/
Our heartfelt thanks go to all those involved in this project from its inception, through its implementation and to its conclusion. I know that many people have toiled for long hours in offices or under a scorching sun, many at personal sacrifice. We all have reason to be proud.
My invitation to one and all is to come and visit the newly reborn Ċittadella and experience this magnificent historic site – the pride of Gozo.