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11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2024 CULTURE ON a hilltop and in the centre of the is- land, this place has provided shelter to the Gozitans over and over again, who during the marauding attacks would run to the shelter behind the walls with their fami- lies and livestock. Today the Ċittadella has regained its majestic peace and tranquillity and if you have not yet visited then this is one thing to plan for. The Gozo Citadel Visitor Centre The best place to start is the Visitor's Centre, a new place that is providing an audio-visual presentation about the Cit- tadella. The presentation is very informative and can be appreciated by visitors of dif- ferent ages. There's nothing to stop you from visiting as the place is very accessi- ble and there is no entrance fee. The Bastions and the Panoramic Views One the greatest features of the Citta- della are the fortified walls and the bas- tions. As you walk along the streets you can appreciate the narrow winding and cobbled streets but once on top, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Gozitan hills and valleys. From up here, it's easy to understand why Gozo is also referred to as the is- land of the three hills. Gozo's distinctly separate villages nestled in the valleys or perched on a top of hills seem to spring out of a storybook. Sunrise and sunset from the bastions are a lavish view in full colour splendour. A String of Museums The Cittadella is also home to several museums. Each of the museums, which are Heritage Malta sites merit a special mention. One can visit the Folklore Museum housed in a medieval building. This mu- seum presents a collection of artefacts and tools related to Gozitan traditions. The Museum of Archaeology is dedicat- ed to the exhibits from Gozo's different periods from prehistory to early modern times. On the other hand, Gozo's Nature Mu- seum presents different geology speci- mens along with samples associated with local ecosystems. Finally, there's the Old Prison, which is the oldest prison in Gozo and you can check out the wall graffiti that past in- mates have left on the centuries-old walls. The Gozo Cathedral & The Cathedral Museum If you are at the Cittadella, do check if the Cathedral is open. If it is, pop in for a visit. The church whose origins date back to 1697, is an example of fine baroque ar- chitecture. One very interesting feature is the trom- pe l'oeil, a painting on the ceiling which gives the illusion of a false dome. The Cathedral also houses the magnifi- cent statue of the Assumption of Our La- dy, a statue that dates back to 1897 and which every year is carried in procession along the streets of Rabat (Victoria) dur- ing the feast on 15 August. Next door to the Cathedral is the Cathe- dral Museum, a museum that has a varied but very rich collection of artefacts from Doric columns dating back to the first century B.C. to paintings, coins, silver- ware and religious items like chalices and vestments. The Ditch The ditch has emerged as a lovely open space that we never knew existed. The area which had been derelict has been rehabilitated and reclaimed to be enjoyed and is now serving as a leisure ar- ea, here one can stop for a small rest on the benches. Apart from this, the ditch has now be- come a regular venue for concerts and events. A number of lifts, stair-lifts and lifting platforms throughout Ċittadella ensure that the place is accessible and can be en- joyed by all. Top places to visit at the Cittadella The Gozo Cathedral Museum