At Fort Chambray, Ghanjsielem and its history meet sweeping views: from the fort, you can see Gozo’s southern coast, Xatt l’Aħmar Bay and the northern Comino Channel. The area also has churches with very different architectural and historical features, as well as paths that put the village and coast in focus. When planning, it helps to distinguish these highlights: the history of the buildings and church art tell a different story of your stay than walks and activities by the water.

Fort Chambray and the village churches

The Knights began building Città Vilhena in 1749; the complex later became known as Fort Chambray. It was originally planned as Gozo’s Valletta. The three names therefore belong to different stages of its history: Città Vilhena refers to the start of construction, Gozo’s Valletta to the original plan, and Fort Chambray to the later name. The fort is also a prominent viewpoint over the coast and the northern Comino Channel.

Another special stop is the Chapel of Santa Cecilia, the only surviving medieval chapel on Gozo. The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands on a headland overlooking Mġarr Harbour. Its Gothic architecture is evident in the steeply pitched roof, lancet windows and pinnacles-topped buttresses. You can reach the chapel on foot or by car, either from Mġarr Harbour or from the village of Ghanjsielem.

The churches in the old part of the village also each have their own character. The Old Parish Church of Ghanjsielem stands in Independence Square. Its furnishings include a titular painting of Our Lady of Loreto by Michele Bussutil and four works by Guiseppe Cali. 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 Church of St. Anthony is associated with the Franciscan monastery.

Views, walks and trails

At Ħamri Belvedere, views of the Lourdes Chapel and Mġarr Harbour are complemented by an outdoor fitness area. Fort Chambray offers a different perspective: from there, the view extends across Gozo’s southern coast, Xatt l’Aħmar Bay and the northern Comino Channel. Walkers can also follow a winding road from the fort down to the bay and Mġarr; walks are possible along the cliffs.

The Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Walk passes through Ghanjsielem. This 10-kilometre circular walk is rated easy, but includes several ascents and descents. These details provide a concrete basis for assessing the route without overlooking the changes in elevation. Mġarr Harbour is also part of the village and is home to Gozo’s only yacht marina.

Xatt l’Aħmar and Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem

At Xatt l’Aħmar, ladders make it easier to get in and out of the water. This coastal area in Għajnsielem and Mġarr is used for swimming and diving. The wreck of the ferry “Xlendi” is also at Xatt l’Aħmar, making it a distinctive feature of the dive site. Different interests come together here: spending time by the water, diving at the wreck or walking along the cliffs. Check the annual dates for the live nativity Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem before travelling.

The live nativity scene is held annually at Ta’ Passi. The setting includes traditional trading shops, a bakery, a tavern and an open-air market. As an immersive live nativity village, the event transforms Ghanjsielem into the biblical city of Bethlehem. This seasonal event complements the churches and permanent buildings of the village; its dates are a separate planning consideration alongside walks and the coastal area.

Discover more destinations: Swieqi, Ħal Għaxaq, Rabat, Attard, San Lawrenz, Vittoriosa, Marsa, Naxxar.

For the broader travel overview: Malta.