What's good Hive?
The Citadella in Victoria is just an amazing place to visit when you go to Gozo, Malta. It's a huge fortress that resembles a lot of history and shows how beautiful Malta was in older times.
During my recent trip to Gozo, Malta, I had the chance to explore yet another fascinating place; the Citadella in Victoria. If you're planning to visit Gozo, this ancient fortress is a must-see and should be at the top of your list to visit during your stay in Malta.
A Step Back in Time
First off, a bit of background. The Citadella, also known as the Cittadella or the Citadel, has been around for a couple of centuries. The fortress is placed high above Victoria, and has roots dating back to the Bronze Age (bruhhh). Sadly, this site has been through a lot... poor thing. It has served as a refuge and a defensive stronghold over the years. Walking through its gates, you can definitely feel the weight of history surrounding you. No wonder Games of Thrones picked Malta as one of the places to shoot film.
Exploring the Citadella
It's like stepping into a maze of narrow streets and pretty old buildings. You could probably call it ancient since it's so old. There's the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption right in the center, which is a pretty damn view on its own. I just love its Baroque-type architecture and it was a reason to stop, chill, and dream along the way. I spent a pretty good time there just to get some nice snaps trying to capture the colossal thing.
Views from the Top
But wait, there is more! As visitors, you could stroll around the city walls. And damn, the view from the Citadella is just something else. Getting up the ramparts, I was rewarded with a big panoramic view of Gozo. I could see these hills and the part of the Mediterranean Sea. It's especially stunning at sunset when the whole place is bathed in a golden glow. Like; really golden glow.
Modern Meets Ancient
What I found particularly cool about the Citadella is how it blends the old with the new. Inside the fortress, you'll find cozy cafes and little shops selling local crafts. Even though these cafes are offering modern wares and stuff, the styling of the cafes still embodies the ancient times of the Citadella. Overall, a great place to take a break and enjoy a coffee while soaking up some Gozo history.
It was nice to be visiting a living piece of history. For me personally, as a photographer, it was pretty cool and it made me wonder about all the variety of stories that it holds. I mean, even if you're not into history, or architecture, if you're just looking for a unique place to explore, the Citadella won't disappoint.
Stay tuned for more posts about my adventures in Gozo, and as always, I'll be sharing plenty of photos.
Cheers!