Gozo boasts a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Known for its historical sites, traditional crafts, and vibrant festivals, Gozo offers a unique blend of influences from various civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of St John.

Historical sites:

Ġgantija Temples: These Neolithic structures, older than the pyramids of Egypt, are among the world’s oldest free-standing monuments and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the Planning Authority (PA) approved a huge apartment block to be built in the protective buffer zone of this world’s oldest free-standing buildings. There was a risk Malta could have lost the World Heritage Site UNESCO status.

Several eNGOs and Heritage Malta appealed the PA’s decision and the Coalition of Gozo (formed by the Gozitan eNGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Għawdix and Wirt Għawdex) took legal action against the PA to stop the permit. They were successful, for now, but the developer may attempt again to overturn this decision.

The Cittadella in Victoria: This historic fortified city, inhabited since the Bronze Age, offers panoramic views of the island. This beautifully restored Ċittadella, also vying for World Heritage status, faces a threat from high-rise buildings that obscure its view.

Local development and construction has spoilt summer resorts Xlendi and Marsalforn, once known for their natural beauty and historical significance over the past decade, reducing them to eyesores. Fr Charles Cini recently referred to these bays: “Ugly high-rise buildings have sprung up across Victoria and the villages, with Marsalforn and Xlendi now competing for the tallest and most hideous cement building block.”

Fort Chambray, which was built in the mid-18th century by the Order of Saint John, was intended to be the citadel of a new city to replace the Cittadella as the island’s capital, but this plan never materialised. Now, the hungry developers have set their focus on our cultural heritage too. The government granted private entrepreneurs ownership of this fort in the 1990s, while we all hoped that they would properly restore and take care of the fort instead of overbuilding it. Unfortunately, this has not happened.

They built up two-thirds of the fort with modern maisonettes, villas, swimming pools, and underground parking. They take good care of the commercial part, yet the rest, including the Knights’ and British barracks and the fort’s historic bastions, unique polverista (a gunpowder magazine), and most of its defensive walls, are crumbling away.

That is not all. The greed of the developers has no limits. In the original plans for Fort Chambray in the 1990s, the developers converted the spacious barracks into hotel rooms. Now, the developers seek to demolish the only British barracks in Gozo and replace it with maisonettes for prospective private buyers. And all this with the blessing of the PA and the local insensitive Gozo Ministry, responsible also for planning. 

Fr Charles Cini asks: “How is this possible? Why were these barracks never listed for preservation by the State? The State has scheduled all similar barracks in Malta. Why is Gozo’s history being neglected by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage?”

‘Villa Rundle’ is a gem in Victoria named after the British General Leslie Rundle around 1915, during the British era. This garden hosts special events during the year, especially during the feast of Santa Marija. The local authorities ensure they maintain, enhance, and preserve Villa Rundle.

Crafts:

The ancient craft of lace making, known as ‘il-bizzilla’, became popular in Gozo around the mid-1840s and is a style of bobbin lace made using silk or linen thread worked as a continuous piece onto a tall, thin, upright hard pillow called a ‘trajbu’ made from straw and paper. This craft is still active and widely popular with tourists, but needs to be protected from cheap imitated imports.

Another traditional Gozitan craft is Weaving and Pottery. Generations have promoted this craft which presently remains integral to Gozo’s cultural identity.

We cannot say the same about the local craft of Boat building. This skill is gradually receding to the history archives, but its legacy reminds us of the boat Luzzu, which Gozitan merchants used to transfer merchandise across the Gozo channel to Malta. While the Fregatina a smaller version of the Luzzu (used by Gozitan fishermen) used to beautify the bays of Marsalforn and Xlendi. These are now unfortunately becoming obsolete.

Festivals and traditions:

UNESCO has officially recognised Malta’s village feasts as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. An intangible cultural heritage is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill considered by UNESCO to be part of a place’s cultural heritage. Every Gozitan village is proud to organise its village festa dedicated to a patron saint. The feasts of San Gorg and Santa Maria in Victoria remain the main festas prominent in Gozo.

Gozo’s Carnival, especially in Nadur, is renowned for its colourful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively atmosphere. Many Maltese, including visitors, consider the Nadur carnival as an important date on their calender.

Cultural heritage, what future?

There is a continuous need to protect and conserve Gozo’s historical sites and traditional crafts, involving not only physical restoration but also the documentation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.

Government needs to increase funding and expertise: Essential to prevent degradation caused by environmental factors and human activities.

Tourism development involves sustainable practices: Balancing the influx of visitors with the preservation of cultural sites by managing tourist numbers at sensitive sites and promoting off-peak visits.

Developing cultural tourism packages can enhance visitors’ experience and appreciation of the island’s history.

Youth education involves reaching the younger generation about Gozo’s cultural heritage through school programmes, workshops, and community projects.

By encouraging local communities, including the collaboration of the local councils, to take part in cultural heritage initiatives, we foster a sense of ownership and pride. Through encouraging local communities, including the collaboration of the local councils, to take part in cultural heritage initiatives, we guarantee that traditions and crafts are passed on to future generations.

Innovation and modernisation:

Modern technology: Integrating virtual reality tours and interactive museum exhibits to make Gozo’s cultural heritage more accessible and engaging to a global audience.

Contemporary interpretations: Promoting modern interpretations of traditional crafts and festivals to keep them relevant and appealing to younger generations.

Collaborations and partnerships:

Associations with cultural organisations and universities worldwide can bring new perspectives, expertise, and resources to Gozo’s heritage preservation efforts.

Wirt Ghawdex recently renewed a partnership agreement with the Gozo Ministry, covering ten years. This agreement will contribute to the improvement, rehabilitation, and restoration of tangible cultural heritage, improve site management, and increase the appreciation of Gozo’s architectural heritage. The sites include the ‘Second World War Shelters’ at the Cittadella, ‘the Battery’, ‘the Polverista’, ‘Dar il Gvernatur’ in Triq L-Imġarr, the ‘Tower of Mġarr ix-Xini’, and the ‘Chapel of Santa Cecilia’ in Għajnsielem, the only medieval chapel that still exists in Gozo.

Balancing preservation and modernisation is what will ensure the future of Gozo’s cultural heritage, protecting its rich history and integrating it dynamically into contemporary life. By fostering community involvement, adopting sustainable practices, and embracing innovation, Gozo can continue to celebrate and share its unique cultural identity with the world.

A deep appreciation for the island’s tranquillity and beauty, which provided a perfect environment for his literary pursuits, marked Nicholas Monsarrat’s (author of the bestseller The Kapillan of Malta and who settled in St Lawrence village) relationship with Gozo. His legacy remains part of Gozo’s rich cultural tapestry. It is the duty of every Gozitan to maintain this legacy alive and inspiring for future generations.