Cittadella — Attraction in Victoria

The Citadel in Gozo: A Timeless Treasure. Perched atop Victoria’s skyline, the Citadel is a crown jewel of Gozo’s history. Stepping through its ancient gates feels like traveling back in time—this UNESCO-tentative fortress has guarded the island for centuries, and its weathered walls whisper tales of knights, invasions, and resilience.

The panoramic views alone are worth the visit. From the ramparts, you’ll see Gozo’s patchwork of fields, terracotta rooftops, and the distant Mediterranean shimmering under the sun. Inside, the Citadel’s maze of cobbled lanes leads to quiet chapels, the imposing Cathedral of the Assumption, and the fascinating Gozo Museum of Archaeology. Don’t miss the Old Prison, where centuries-old graffiti etched by inmates still lingers on cell walls.

What makes the Citadel special is its lived-in charm. Unlike sterile museums, locals still stroll its paths, and artisans sell lace and pottery near the square. Visit at sunset for golden-hour photos or early morning to have the stones (almost) to yourself. Wear comfy shoes—the climbs are steep, but every step rewards you with history and beauty.

Whether you’re a history buff, photographer, or simply seeking Gozo’s soul, the Citadel delivers. A must-visit, and a reminder of how small islands can hold the...

An absolute highlight! Almost in the middle of Gozo, on top of a hill, stands the beautiful fortified city of Iċ-Ċittadella. This hill has been inhabited since the Bronze Age (from around 1500 BC). In all probability, this is also the location of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos (or Glauconis Civitas). In the Middle Ages, defensive walls were built and a citadel was created. A village also developed at the foot of the hill, the historic core of present-day Victoria. When the Ottomans attacked Gozo in 1551, the outdated defences no longer offered any relief to the island's citizens. Those who did not die in battle were taken away as slaves. After the Knights of St. John repopulated Gozo, the southern defences in particular were modernised between 1599 and 1622 and the citadel acquired its current appearance. Under the British, the citadel remains under commission until 1868. Apart from digging air raid shelters during WWII, nothing happens to the citadel, not even maintenance. Between 2008 and 2016, the citadel is restored several times, so that visitors can now enjoy the imposing citadel in all its...

I have a bit of mixed feelings about the citadella. It's a great place to walk around for free and you have the best view in all of Gozo. Take a panoramic walk and enjoy the citadella. On the other hand it cost 5€ to enter the cathedral and the cathedral museum, and let's be honest, the Catholic Church has a lot of money and doesn't really need the money. Also there is not a lot to see at the museum. And then another 5€ at the visitor museum for the nature museum, historic house museum, prison and museum of archaeology. All of the museums are old and don't provide a lot of information. the exhibits are mostly just sitting there without more information about them. It's just feels old and crusty. What I really liked was a show about the history of gozo in the visitor museum. therefore 4 stars...