Before you have fully emerged from the archway into the Citadel, you will be welcomed by the majestic sight of Gozo Cathedral, across the small square at the top of a wide flight of steps guarded by two 17th-century bronze cannons. A walk along the fortified ramparts is rewarded with a breath-taking 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s hills and valleys, villages and churches and a view right across the sea to Malta. In the square, you will find the magnificent baroque Cathedral of Gozo dedicated to Santa Marija, or more precisely, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, as well as the Law Courts and the Bishop’s Palace. Very close by, there are several fascinating small museums and a state of the art visitors’ centre: The Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Magazine, the Grain Silos, the Battery and the World War II Shelter. The visitors’ centre is divided into two main areas. The first area offers a number of interactive touch screens and printed panels which deal with various aspects of the Citadel including its evolution and nature as well as its military, ecclesiastical and civic history. The other area was converted into a surround-sound theatre where visitors can watch an eight-minute video on the salient moments of the history of the Citadel. All information is available in eight languages.

The visitors’ centre is open daily between 9:00 and 17:00.

Closed on the 24th, 25th & 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday.