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

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.