How One Massive Earthquake Almost Erased Gozo’s History

The year was 1693, and the ground started to shake. A massive earthquake hit Sicily, but it was so powerful that it also reached Gozo and Malta. Buildings shook violently, stone walls cracked, and parts of churches and homes collapsed. Among the most affected sites was one of Gozo’s most important landmarks, the Cittadella.

Located in Rabat (Victoria), the Cittadella had served as Gozo’s central fortress for centuries. During the earthquake, many of its structures were severely damaged. Historical records show that the cathedral, which stood proudly within its walls, suffered major destruction and had to be largely rebuilt in the years that followed.

Although the shaking lasted only moments, its effects were long-lasting and deeply felt across the island.

n the aftermath, the people of Gozo worked together to restore what had been lost. The cathedral was reconstructed in the early 1700s, and repairs were made to the fortress walls and surrounding buildings. Thanks to these efforts, the Cittadella remains one of the island’s most iconic and well-preserved historical sites today.

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Photo source: Sara S.