Ta' Ġurdan Lighthouse: Gozo's Guiding Light

Ta' Ġurdan Lighthouse, also known as Il-Fanal ta' Ġurdan, stands as a beacon of history and stunning views on the island of Gozo. Located in the village of Għasri, this active lighthouse sits atop Ta' Ġurdan hill, 161 meters above sea level. Erected in 1851 during British rule, it began guiding ships on October 15, 1853, to accommodate the growing maritime traffic in the area.Originally, the lighthouse used 21 oil lamps with silver-plated brass reflectors and lenses, casting a beam visible for up to 38 nautical miles. While advancements in maritime navigation and increased light pollution have reduced its beam's intensity, the lighthouse continues to operate automatically. It also functions as a weather monitoring station, serving as the principal Global Atmospheric Watch Station for the Central Mediterranean, measuring air quality parameters.A walk to the lighthouse involves a moderately steep climb, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Gozo. From the top, one can see the north coast and much of the island, and on clear days, even the outline of Sicily. The now-dilapidated buildings near the lighthouse once served as an RAF base during World War II, including an observation post manned by Scouts. Lucky visitors might get a peek inside the lighthouse and climb the spiral staircase to the top.