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All roads in Gozo lead to Victoria, or Rabat, as the local people call it. Its Citadel, rising steeply above the surrounding countryside, is visible from almost all the Island. For centuries the Citadel served as a sanctuary from attack by Barbary corsairs and Saracens. At several times in Gozo's history, its population were taken into slavery by these raiders. When the threat subsided after the Great Siege, a prosperous town grew up below the Citadel. The people of Gozo call it Rabat, which means `the town'; the name from the period of Arabic rule. In 1897 the British Colonial Government decided to rename it `Victoria' to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Victoria is not just the geographic heart of the Gozo, it is also the centre of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the Islanders go about their day, especially when the main market square, It-Tokk, comes to life. The small town is divided into two parishes - that of St Mary, The Assumption, with its Cathedral in the Citadel and the Basilican Church, St George's, in the lower town. The festivity of St. Mary (Assumption Day) is held on 15th August; that of St. George on the 3rd Sunday in July. These days are occasions of parish pride and joy and well worth joining in.
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Dwerja is perhaps the archipelago's most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the Islands - The Azure Window, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, sheer cliffs and a rocky coastline yielding fossilised remains of sea creatures dating from the Miocene period. Apart from the topography visible above sea and ground, there are also some fascinating underwater caves which provide excellent dive sites. The Azure Window, a table-like rock over the sea, is one of the most photographed vistas of the Islands, and it particularly spectacular during winter when waves crash high inside the arch. The Inland Sea, and Dwerja Bay itself, were created millions of years ago when two limestone caves collapsed. The shallow inland lagoon is linked to the sea via a 100-metre cave. The `Sea' is used by fishermen, swimmers and as access point for divers. Overlooking the lagoon is the Chapel of St Anne, built in 1963 on the site of a much older church. The other natural landmark here is the legendary Fungus Rock. It is home to a plant, mistakenly called a fungus, which was reputed to have exceptional medicinal properties. It was so highly-prized by the Knights that they placed a sentinel in Dwejra Tower, (built 1651), to safeguard the plant for their use only. The shoreline near Fungus Rock is accessible to bathers and the sea provides perfect snorkelling.
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Ramla is Gozo's largest sandy bay and one of the most beautiful on the Maltese Islands. The beach here is of a deep, reddish-gold hue. The bay is surrounded by countryside and nestles below steep terraced hills and the mythical Calypso's Cave. There are no hotels or tourist developments nearby, but the beach side has several snack bars and cafes. The beach has its own landmark - a white statue of the Virgin Mary. Ramla is a superb spot to while away the hours - even in peak summer months, there always seems to be space on beach. In winter, you can find yourself alone. The area is excellent walking country. Swimming here is safe and the waters are clear and clean. There are some smooth, underwater boulders a few metres out in the central strip, but these are easily negotiated. On windy days, white surf rolling on the sand is an added attraction and fun for young bathers. The best approach to the bay is from Nadur or Xaghra, down a bamboo-lined valley. The road from Marsalforn, via Calypso's Cave, is rather steep and rough though it is passable by car. Of historical interest in the bay are some Roman ruins burried under the sand near the present-day cafes, and a 'fougasse' - a kind of primative mortar developed by the Knights which was fired from a rock-cut shaft to defend the bay during the 18th century.
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