|
The Citadel
|
 The Old Citadel or Kastell, lies upon the likeliest strategic vantagepoint of Victoria. It defiantly dominates the town's skyline as intended by military architects of the day. Yet it is endowed by such a photogenic grace and splendour, that makes its sight unequalled not just on the Maltese Islands, but also practically anywhere.
A brief history
The Citadel has been the centre of activity of the island since possibly Neolithic times, but is known to be first fortified during the Bronze Age approximately around 1500 BC. It was later developed by the Phoenicians and continued into becoming a complex Acropolis by Roman times. During the Roman era, Gozo was a privileged Roman Municipality and hence independent from Malta. This made the site of the Citadel the administrative, military and religious focal point of the island, with a temple dedicated to goddess Juno dominating the area where the present Cathedral now stands.
The north side of the Citadel dates back to the Aragonese domination period, while the south flank, overlooking Victoria, was re-constructed under the Knights of St. John, namely between 1599 and 1603. This was close to the epilogue of Gozo's darkest period, when for quite over a two centuries, marauding Turks alongside with Berber corsairs continuously harassed and pillaged the Maltese Islands. For this reason, until 1637, the Gozitan population was required by law to spend their nights within the Citadel for their own safety.
The climax of the Turkish raids was tragic for Gozo and its population. The year was 1551, when a strong Turkish naval force after attacking Malta unsuccessfully, turned its sights to the rather unprotected Gozo to overwhelm the Citadel after a short siege. With its medieval walls crumbling under constant cannon fire, the Citadel withstood wave after wave of assaults and was definitely not taken by storm. It was only when all hope of help from Malta was lost, did the defenders beg for an honourable capitulation. Tragically for the population, (then counting to around 5000), the surrender terms were far from honourable, save for 40 elderly and valueless citizens. The rest were chained and taken into slavery. It took nearly 50 years to re-populate Gozo and rebuild the Citadel into the present layout.
The Citadel today
A visit to the Citadel should be seriously reckoned, and the fatigue of walking up Castle Street, will be fully rewarded. You will be just underneath the archway of the Citadel when you are welcomed by the majestic sight of the Gozo Cathedral, across the small square and above a wide flight of challenging steps flanked with two 17th century bronze cannons standing guard. Along the fortified ramparts, there is a breath taking 360-degree panorama of Gozo's countryside, from its hills and valleys, villages with their dominant church domes, to even distant Malta.
Only a couple of families live within the Citadel walls today and many old residences lie in ruins. However, restoration is constantly underway especially through the help of UNESCO. The central courtyard or square, is occupied by the magnificent baroque Cathedral of Gozo dedicated to Santa Marija, or precisely the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Law Courts, and the Bishop's Palace. Apart from a stroll around the ramparts there are a series of interesting buildings and Museums that adorn the Citadel. The Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Citadel Armoury, the Natural Science Museumand of course the Old Prisons, house innumerable curiosities. Along the winding streets one couldn't help but notice the historic St. Joseph Church, and a number of holy niches and bass reliefs bound with a blend of history and legend. The well-preserved Norman style windows and arches are also worth a glance. On the façade of historic and church buildings, there are plenty of historic Coat-of-Arms, a number of them equally defaced either during the brief Republican French occupation or by the toll of time.
|
|
|
USEFUL INFORMATION
|
|
How to go: On foot from Victoria centre
|
|
|