Gozo means joy, and a visit to this relaxed little sister island of Malta should evoke that sensation.  With a population of around 3,000, Gozo's charm is apparent the moment you step off the 25 minute ferry journey from Malta.  Gozo is a masterpiece wrought by nature and shaped by 7000 years of culture.  With picturesque scenery, pristine coastline and untouched country trails, blended with the imposing baroque churches which rise from the heart of small villages, Gozo is a testament to the confluence of various cultures throughout the centuries.

 

Ggantija, the awe-inspring neolithic temples, believed to be the world's oldest free-standing structure are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  And serving as inspiration, a huge number of beautiful and monumental churches dot the island, the most impressive of these being the Xewkija Rotunda, boasting one of the world's largest domes.

 

Victoria, or Rabat to the locals, is Gozo's commercial and cultural capital.  It is a reference point for anyone who wants to explore Gozo, whether on foot or by car.  The Citadel is the fortified and uppermost part of Victoria, built to repel corsairs and turkish invasion, today it houses a Cathedral, the old Bishop's Palace and a small number of museums displaying various Gozo related exhibits.  From the ramparts, one may enjoy a 360 panoramic view of the island.