Dwejra and the
Azure Window
Going on straight through the small
village of San Lawrenz, you will behold
what is perhaps one of the most
recognised images concerning the
Maltese Islands. The Azure Window
is one of Gozo’s landmarks, forever
present on postcards, adverts and
brochures. The world-famous window
is regrettably falling to its demise, as
more and more rock is eroded every
year – making the bridge over the
window more of a hazard as time
goes by. However, admire it while you
can, and take as many pictures as
you can! The Window can be viewed
in all its splendour from a cliff just in
front, it is quite a climb; however it
is worth every step. Dwejra, where
the Window is located, is also famous
for its Inland Sea, which is a natural
phenomenon occurring when the
sea-water from the open sea passes
through a small, cave-like crack in
the cliffs, and forms a clear-water
lagoon just a few minutes away from
the Azure Window. The Sea is worth
a visit, as there are some boat tours
departing from it as well. For a few
Euros, you can pass through the small
cave like opening and take a tour of
the caves of the area, as well as see
the gigantic Window from sea-level
(Prepare yourself, this will make you
feel very, very small!). While going
back to your parked car, don’t forget
to take a look (and maybe a photo or
two!) of the Fungus Rock, an isolated
rock in the middle of the sea, which
is home to a sporadic plant which
the Knights used in many of their
medicines.
Interesting fact: The Knights guarded
Fungus Rock day and night to prevent
theft of the plants, which is said to
have been punishable by death! It is
still today illegal to climb the Rock, as
it is protected for its wildlife.
80
Ġgantija Temples
Regaining your breath after the
spectacular views at Dwejra, you can
head over to the village of Xagħra,
home to the neolithic temples of
Ġgantija. These temples are the
earliest of their kind on our islands,
are older than the pyramids of
Egypt and are the second oldest
manmade religious structures in the
world! Walking through, and seeing
a structure built more than 5500
years ago, has a way of humbling
one somehow. The entrance fee is
a bit on the pricey side, but it is well
worth the money. The temples were
constructed before the invention of
the wheel, so the builders used stone
spheres to transport the immense
blocks to their desired place. These
spheres are still visible today!