Cittadella of Rabat, Gozo Island, Malta is a hidden city full of secrets to discover. Over there, you’ll have an unbelievable experience with all its history, tunnels, walls and chambers. If you are a lover of mystery and unimaginable journeys, this is the perfect place for you. Your mind will travel back in time visiting the ancient prisons and treasures of the cathedral.
Things to do
Cathedral of Gozo
Before immersing yourself in the precious arches of the Citadel, the Cathedral of Gozo will take completely your breath away. In this way, you will be able to admire its elegant baroque structure entirely built with the limestone of the place.
Later, you will walk through its high bell tower with five bells in the back. Also, its magnificent fresco on its roof will give you the illusion of a dome on a flat roof. Then you’ll be completely enchanted by the statue of Santa Maria, the owner of the cathedral’s annual festival.
History and Civilization Museum:
For history lovers, here they will find everything they want. First, you will appreciate the rich history of Morocco, from its prehistory to the Islamic era. In addition, you will be able to observe all the ancient objects that have been rescued from the excavations.
Then you will learn the secrets of the Maghrebi tribes and Roman deities. Finally, you will be speechless when you see the remains of the Muslim Aurora and the famous statues and busts found there.
The Chellah Necropolis
If you want to go on with mysterious places, the necropolis of Chellah will fascinate you. It is located right on the site of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia. Over there, you can have a wonderful view of the river Bouregeg. Besides, you can immerse yourself in mysterious and grim with the tombs that are inside the place.
On the other hand, you can also have a very romantic evening. In this necropolis, you can see the most beautiful sunsets of the Cittadella. Be sure to take a romantic walk through the ruins of this ancient city.
How to get there
There are different ways to get to the Cittadella from Malta Airport (MLA):
- By Bus: take a bus from the airport to Malta Gozo Ferry Terminal. Over there, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Cittadella. It is an hour and 22-minute trip. The estimated price is $15 to 18 USD.
- By Drive, car ferry: you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Cirkewwa. Over there, you’ll take the ferry to Gozo and finally drive to the Cittadella. It is a 59-minute journey of $11 to 13 USD.
When to go
You can visit the Cittadella all year round. However, from April to June you’ll have the most pleasant weather.
How long
If you want to explore all the hidden secrets of the Cittadella you should take at least 4-5 days.
Opening and Closing Hours
- Cathedral of Gozo: it opens every day from 10:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m
- History and Civilization Museum: it opens from Sunday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
- The Chellah Necropolis: it opens every day from 8:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m
Planning
Even though the entrance of the Citadella is free, there are some attractions that have its cost. So be informed so you don’t get caught by surprise and have enough money to enjoy your trip. Also, you’ll find some incredible hotels near the Cittadella. Remember to book them in advance.
Inside Information
Although a decent climate is maintained, it can become quite hot. So it’s important that you bring your fresh and comfortable clothes, as well as your best walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can take the best pictures.
History
Although there isn’t a lot of evidence, there is very likely that the area of the Citadella has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Also, the ceramics that have been discovered suggest that it was a settlement in prehistory. Over there, you can find archeological remains of a city that consisted of an acropolis on the site of the Cittadella.
Later, during the medieval period, this acropolis was transformed into a castle. Also, one-third of Gozo’s population lived in or around its Cittadella. Then, this place became too small for the growing population so they extend its fortifications.
Nowadays, the medieval part of the Cittadella remains intact and its remains are in good condition. However, you can still enjoy other remains with archeological deposits. Also, the Cittadella it’s now on Malta’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Websites
- www.grayisnn.info
- www.lincolnsinn.org.uk
- www.innertemple.org.uk
- www.middletemple.org.uk
- www.soane.org
Other Nearby Attractions
Rabat’s Zoo
This is a place you cannot miss when you’re visiting Rabat. This is the perfect place to go if you’re making your trip with your family and friends. Over there you’ll see the biggest number of Atlas lions in captivity. Also, you’ll explore an artificial biotope with more than 130 animal species.
San Peter’s Cathedral
Right in Hassan’s neighborhood and close to Golan’s Square you can find San Peter’s Cathedral. Over there you’ll learn how two different religions can peacefully coexist in Morroco. Also, you’ll see how this edification was built with the best Art decó style. In this way, you’ll appreciate its white geometrical form. It is both stunning on its outside and inside.
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