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Għar Għerduf Catacombs: Gozo's Ancient Burial Site
Discover Gozo's hidden history at Għar Għerduf Catacombs, a unique Roman burial site with early Christian roots and intriguing archaeological features.
Explore Għar Għerduf Catacombs, the only surviving early Christian catacombs in Gozo, Malta. This unique Roman burial site features arcosolia and trough-tombs, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient history and funerary practices. Despite damage from past quarrying, the site remains a significant archaeological attraction.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Għar Għerduf Catacombs
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
26RJ+RV2, Triq Ta Xuxa, Kerċem, MT
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Victoria (Rabat), the main transport hub in Gozo, take bus line 311 or 312 towards Kerċem. Alight at the 'Ixtabi' bus stop in Kerċem, which is the closest stop to the catacombs. From there, it's a short walk along Triq Ta Xuxa to the site. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.
Taxi
From anywhere in Gozo, a taxi can take you directly to Għar Għerduf Catacombs. Taxis are readily available in Victoria. A short taxi ride from Victoria to the catacombs will cost approximately €15-€20.
Walking
If you are already in Kerċem or the nearby Lunzjata Valley, walking to Għar Għerduf is a viable option. From the Kerċem Parish Church, walk along Triq Santa Luċija, then turn onto Triq Ta Xuxa. The catacombs will be on your left. The walk is relatively short and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes as the ground can be uneven.
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Bring a flashlight to better see the details inside the catacombs.
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Combine your visit with a walk in the scenic Lunzjata Valley.
Discover more about Għar Għerduf Catacombs
The Għar Għerduf Catacombs, also known as Għar Gerduf, are located in Ta' Kerċem, Gozo, and represent the island's only surviving early Christian catacombs. These paleochristian hypogea offer a unique insight into Roman burial practices in Gozo. The site has drawn scholars and visitors for centuries, with early descriptions noting its resemblance to catacombs found in Rabat, Mdina.The catacombs, dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, feature a long corridor with arcosolia hewn into the walls. These arcosolia vary in size, containing single or multiple trough-tombs, some with headrests still identifiable. The complex may have served as a burial ground for the Roman settlement at Rabat during Late Antiquity. The catacombs are dug into the Globigerina Limestone on the western slope of Lunzjata Valley.Despite being the only Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman site in Gozo featured in The Protection of Antiquities Act of 1925, Għar Għerduf has suffered damage over time, especially from quarrying in the 19th century. Today, the Ministry for Gozo owns the property and plans to restore the site, improving accessibility and turning it into a cultural heritage attraction.
A brief summary to Għar Għerduf Catacombs
Use Għar Għerduf Catacombs as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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