Ghanjsielem between Fort, Churches and Coast

Ghanjsielem can be explored through several distinct themes: the history of the fort above the harbour, churches with striking architectural features, and a coastline used for walking, swimming and diving. Are you mainly interested in historic sites, exploring routes on foot or spending time by the water? The local features below can help you put these interests into perspective.

Fort Chambray and Coastal Views

The Knights began building Città Vilhena above the harbour in 1749; the complex later became known as Fort Chambray. Fort Chambray was originally planned as Gozo’s Valletta. From the fort, views extend across Gozo’s southern coast, Xatt l’Aħmar Bay and the northern Comino Channel. This is a place where architectural history meets several clearly defined viewpoints.

Churches and Architectural History

The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands on a promontory overlooking Mġarr Harbour. Its Gothic architecture features a steeply pitched roof, lancet windows and buttresses topped with pinnacles. You can reach the chapel on foot or by car, either from Mġarr Harbour or from the town of Ghanjsielem. The Church of Our Lady of Loreto is built in the Gothic-Lombard style and has the plan of a Latin cross. It was completed with the blessing of its bell tower in June 1979.

The Old Parish Church of Għajnsielem stands on Independence Square in the old part of town. It houses a titular painting of Our Lady of Loreto by Michele Bussutil, as well as four works by Guiseppe Cali. The Chapel of Santa Cecilia in Ghanjsielem offers another connection to the past: it is the only surviving medieval chapel on Gozo. The Church of St. Anthony is also part of the town’s religious landscape and is associated with the Franciscan monastery.

Walking, Views and Activity

The Ħamri Belvedere combines views of the Lourdes Chapel and Mġarr Harbour with an outdoor fitness area. Here, scenic views and outdoor exercise come together. The Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Walk passes through Ghanjsielem. The circular route is 10 kilometres long and rated easy, but includes several climbs and descents. Its length gives you a concrete sense of the hike’s scope; at the same time, the easy rating comes alongside the specified changes in elevation. A winding road descends from Fort Chambray to Xatt l-Aħmar Bay and Mġarr; walks are possible along the cliffs. While the circular route is described by its length and rating, this road connection is characterised by its winding course and cliffside walks.

Harbour and Activities on the Water

Mġarr Harbour is part of Ghanjsielem and is home to Gozo’s only yacht marina. Xatt l’Aħmar in Ghanjsielem and Mġarr is used for swimming and diving. At Xatt l’Aħmar, ladders make it easier to get in and out of the water. The wreck of the ferry “Xlendi” is also located there, providing a specific point of interest for divers. Together, these local features give an impression of how the harbour, coastline and water sports sit alongside one another in Ghanjsielem.

The Living Nativity of Bethlehem

A live re-enactment of Bethlehem takes place annually at Ta’ Passi in Ghanjsielem. The immersive live nativity village transforms Ghanjsielem into the biblical city of Bethlehem. The re-enactment includes traditional shops, a bakery, a tavern and an open-air market. This annual event adds another experience to the themes of fort history, churches and the coast.

Discover more destinations: Qala, Marsaskala, Qormi, Munxar, Attard, Bugibba, Santa Venera, San Lawrenz.

For the broader travel overview: Malta.