Things to see and do Ghajnsielem

This ambitious project, long cherished by Gozitans, bears the name of the only person who was willing to finance it in the ^18th century. After the invasion of 1551 and the Great Siege of 1565, which led to the decision to build Valletta, the inhabitants of Gozo felt the need to have a port fortress on their territory capable of defending them, like the new capital of the neighboring island. The knights were not averse to this project, which also concerned their security. However, the project was abandoned, unsuccessfully re-examined a century later, and finally adopted in the ^mid-18th century, when the coffers were empty and the knights' glory was in full decline. It was a military man, Admiral Jacques de Chambray, who provided the funds for this major undertaking, completed in 1761. The admiral was given the title of governor of Gozo, but the fort had little opportunity to shine, resisting Napoleonic troops for some time before becoming English. It was later converted into an asylum. Long empty and unused, it is now being completely restored.

Today, in addition to rehabilitation and restoration, new residential buildings have been built in keeping with the fort's architecture. Regrettably, this somewhat diminishes the massive, defensive aspect of the whole.

You've seen them everywhere, these rounded, streamlined, often feminine sculptures, carved from globigerine, the beautiful local stone. Here's your chance to meet Joe Xuereb, copied but never equalled by so many craftsmen today! 30 years ago, Joe was trying to reproduce a Neolithic statue found in a temple. This was to be followed by a lot of work, a continuous flirtation with the objects found on the island by archaeologists, until he created an obvious artistic identity, today propelled on the international scene where he is nicknamed the "Gozitan Botero"! Joe will be delighted to open the doors of his studio, 100 m from the village church, free of charge. Don't hesitate for a second, especially as Joe speaks excellent French!

Transfers airport, taxi, accommodation, car rental, scooters, quad and boat, tours of the island by land or by sea… Both brothers and mothers manage with dynamism a small, versatile family business that has the sense of hospitality and personalized service. Ideally located in Gozo just at the ferry exit.