Victoria and Citadel

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It was until the fourth day in Gozo that we had a closer look at Victoria.  The past days were come and go: coming from the pier to change to Xlendi, taking a boat to Comino, etc. Right in the morning, little squares were full of residents, shops were opened, busy but not crowded. 


We saw many older people sitting and relaxing at Kafe de Gorg.  It is a good sign for good food because the elderly knows where to go.  Different pastries were sitting in a glass cubicle to attract guests.  And so, why not? One pastry is filled with ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta).  I like the other filled with mushy peas (pastizzi tal-pizelli). They are fatty and so nice that I had another one when we were on the main island. 


If you have a chance to walk around, you'll find all houses are built with the same material, globerigina.  It's yellowish and decadent.



Victoria is the most inhabited area, centre and transportation hub in Gozo. If you stay in the suburb, it's better to shop necessities at Victoria before heading to your apartment. Streets surrounding Victoria can be quite steep.Our bus drivers carefully drove from Xlendi to reach Victoria through winding and narrow streets. The way to Xlendi is also initially narrow and gets wider gradually. Steep on and off.  It is not for inexperienced drivers.


After our second breakfast, we walked up to the Citadel, Cittedella. It has existed since possibly Neolithic times and fortified during the Bronze Age around 1500BC. Throughout the different rulers, the Citadel has been the administrative centre.  It was reconstructed during the Knight period. For two centuries, it was attacked by Turks and Berber corsairs. Residents were required to spend the night at the Citadel for safety reason.  Unfortunately, it could not escape from the defeat. Defenders committed suicide for saving honour. Surrenders became slaves for years. It took nearly half a century to re-populate the island and rebuild the Citadel. Lately, the Citadel looks new and clean. It dominates the skyline in Gozo.


A video is scheduled to show tourists the history of the Citadel. The beginning is the formation of the islands and progressively to the invasion, self sacrifice and the surrender..... I can see their patriotism, love for the country.


The Citadel is a city.  Like other cities, it has its own Cathedral. Originally it was a temple dedicated to Juno. When the country was Christianised, the temple was converted as a church, dedicated to Virgin Mary.  It was damaged and reconstructed a few times. Until 1846 it elevated to a Cathedral.




I like going through the alleys.  High mighty walls and raw feeling.  We visited an archaeology museum but was quite disappointed with the few items on display. The Citadel is filled with different stores to let tourists experience the way of life since centuries ago. Lace, wine shops are still top of my mind.

 
 

Walking in the Citadel is not only meandering in the history but one is rewarded with a panoramic view of the island.  Gorgeous!

 
 



Location: Victoria, Malta

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