Iċ-Ċitadella – Gozo’s fortified old city. Took this shot Saturday before last as we walked to the city centre to hear mass before going out for dinner.
Known also as the Castello, Iċ-Ċitadella sits on one of the highest hills in Gozo on a site that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The site is believed to have been the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos.
During the medieval period, the acropolis was converted into a castle which served as a refuge for Gozo's population. A major reconstruction of the southern walls of the Cittadella was undertaken by the Order of St John and Malta between 1599 and 1622, effectively transforming it from a medieval castle into a gunpowder fortress. Its northern walls were not rebuilt, and today they still retain a largely medieval form.
Whereas Iċ-Ċitadella used to dominate all that was around it, building have now encroached almost up to its northern walls. The medieval walls are on a sheer drop and have not been effected by development.
Many thanks for your views, comments, and FAV’s. They are very much appreciated.
( In fact it was n`t that cold and we saw 2 people more, also photographers.)