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St Joseph's Church, Cittadella, Gozo

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Places to see

Malta

St Joseph's Church, Cittadella, Gozo

Highlight • Religious Site

St Joseph's Church, Cittadella, Gozo

Recommended by 18 hikers out of 19

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Location: Malta

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Best Hikes to St Joseph's Church, Cittadella, Gozo

4.5

(39)

139

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1. Ghasri Valley – Xwejni Salt Pans loop from Victoria

13.2km

03:37

210m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.3

(24)

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2. Ghasri Valley – Xwejni Salt Pans loop from Għarb

14.5km

03:54

190m

180m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(26)

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3. Ghasri Valley – Wied il-Mielaħ Window loop from Victoria

26.4km

07:41

630m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Tips

Sasha Taylor

November 9, 2022

Old St Joseph's in the Citadel is a Roman Catholic Church located in the medieval walled Cittadella in Victoria, Gozo, Malta.

Records show that a chapel already existed on the site during the mid 16th century. In fact, when inquisitor Pietro Dusina visited the Citadel he recalled that there were four churches dedicated to St Lawrence, St Nicholas, St John the Baptist's and Our Saviour's, respectively. The original St Joseph's was the one dedicated to St Nicholas. Its congregation grew when Dusina deconsecrated it Lawrence's in 1575 and the faithful turned to St Nicholas' which was described as the church which was best kept and equipped.

The church plan was altered by orders of Bishop Baldassare Cagliares on plans by Vittorio Cassar. Works concluded by 1625. Consequently, the dedication of the church was changed from that of St Nicholas to St Joseph, the first church on the island to bear the name of St Joseph. A palace was also built adjacent to the church as a residence to Bishop Cagliares. On St Joseph's day, the Chapter of St Mary's Collegiate Church used to celebrate vespers every year from 1672.

The church was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1693. Consequently, services no longer were held in the church and it was abandoned. It was only in 1930 that interest was awaken to restore the chapel. The lieutenant Governor of Malta, Sir Harry Luke expressed interest in restoring buildings which had historic value. Restoration works were at a halt when Sir Luke was transferred somewhere else. In 1973 restoration works commenced once more and works were completed by 19 March 1975. The church was blessed by Bishop Nikol Joseph Cauchi on August 15, 1976.

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Elevation 110 m

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Wednesday 5 November

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19°C

10 %

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Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

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Location: Malta

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St Joseph's Church, Cittadella, Gozo

1. Ghasri Valley – Xwejni Salt Pans loop from Victoria

2. Ghasri Valley – Xwejni Salt Pans loop from Għarb

3. Ghasri Valley – Wied il-Mielaħ Window loop from Victoria

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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