Foso e Interior Citadelle De Victoria: Gozo's Ancient Heart

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Explore Gozo's ancient Citadelle: a historic fortress with stunning views, museums, and cultural treasures in Victoria.

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Foso e Interior Citadelle De Victoria

The Citadelle, a fortified city in Victoria, Gozo, boasts a history stretching back to the Bronze Age. Explore its ancient walls, museums, and the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption, while enjoying panoramic views of the island.

A brief summary to Foso e Interior Citadelle De Victoria

26WR+F2J, Triq Bieb l-Imdina, Victoria, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Foso e Interior Citadelle De Victoria.

Start your visit at the Cittadella Visitors' Centre to gain insight into the history of the site.
Walk along the Citadelle's bastions for panoramic views of Gozo.
Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, a baroque masterpiece, and explore its museum.
Explore the various museums within the Citadelle, including the Archaeology Museum and the Old Prison.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Victoria Bus Station, walk northeast towards Republic Street. Continue onto Independence Square (It-Tokk Market). Pass the market on your right, then ascend the hill towards the Citadelle. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

Take any bus to the Victoria Bus Terminus. From there, the Citadelle is a 10-minute walk. Local buses connect all major points on Gozo to Victoria. A single bus ticket costs €2 during the day.
Taxi

Taxis are available at the Mġarr ferry terminal and in Victoria. A taxi from the Mġarr ferry terminal to Victoria costs approximately €15. From the Victoria Bus Terminus, it is still best to walk as it is only 10 minutes away.
Driving

All roads in Gozo lead to Victoria. Follow signs to Victoria. Near the Citadel, the most convenient and spacious car park is located next to the main bus station, offering free parking. Alternatively, drive to the parking area just outside the entrance to the Citadel for €2.

Discover more about Foso e Interior Citadelle De Victoria

Perched atop a hill in Victoria, Gozo's capital, the Citadelle (also known as the Cittadella or Gran Castello) has been the island's focal point for over 7000 years. Its origins trace back to the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC, and it evolved into a fortified city under the Phoenicians and Romans, known as Gaulos or Glauconis Civitas.During the medieval period, the Citadelle served as a refuge for Gozo's inhabitants against attacks by Barbary pirates and Saracens. In 1551, a devastating Ottoman raid resulted in the enslavement of nearly the entire population of Gozo. The Knights of St. John later reconstructed the Citadelle between 1599 and 1603, transforming it into a gunpowder fortress. Until 1637, Gozitans were required to spend their nights within its walls.Today, the Citadelle is a major landmark, offering visitors a blend of history, architecture, and culture. Explore the narrow, winding streets, visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, and discover museums like the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Gran Castello Historic House, and the Old Prison. The Citadelle also offers panoramic views of Gozo from its bastions. The Citadelle Visitors’ Centre provides an overview of the site’s history.The Citadelle is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with lifts providing access to most parts of the site.