Explore Għasri through a range of interests: the natural landscape of Wied il-Għasri, trails through the area, and cultural history with specific dates. When planning your trip, it is helpful to keep these themes separate. Walks and cycling are particularly highlighted for winter and spring; churches, an archaeological find and feast dates offer other points of interest.
Landscape, trails and activities
Wied il-Għasri rises at Dbiegi Hill. In the Wied area, the landscape is especially suited to walks and cycling trips in winter and spring. In the sea around the Wied, divers explore the surrounding underwater caves. The activities therefore relate to different areas: walks and cycling in the landscape, and diving in the underwater caves in the surrounding sea.
Another scenic viewpoint is at Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse: the hilltop around the lighthouse offers panoramic views. The footpath there involves a moderately steep climb, which you can take into account when planning your day. The lighthouse was built in 1851 during British rule. Landscape and history come together here in two distinct ways: the path leads up to the viewpoints, while the construction date marks the lighthouse’s historical significance.
The road from Għasri Village Square to Wied il-Għasri also has a named cultural landmark. It passes a charming old chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This lets you associate the route with a specific architectural feature without confusing the climb at Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse with this road: they are two different points of reference for trip planning.
Archaeological and ecclesiastical history
An early Roman rock-cut tomb was discovered in Wied il-Għasri in April 1979. The pottery from the tomb is stylistically dated to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Many urns still contain cremated human remains. The dates refer to different things: April 1979 is when the tomb was discovered; the centuries BC refer to the stylistic dating of the pottery.
The churches also offer specific historical points of reference. The foundation stone of Corpus Christi Church in L-Għasri was laid in 1903; the church is dedicated to Corpus Christi. Two recorded dates for St Publius Chapel are just over two years apart: its foundation stone was laid on 26 July 1850, and the chapel was blessed on 10 October 1852. Its two bells are named Publiju and Pawlu.
The Basilica of the Patronage of the Virgin Mary was the first basilica on the island of Gozo. The feast of Our Lady of the Patronage is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in October; specific programme details may vary, so check them before travelling for this date. The feast of St Publius falls on the third Sunday in January. When choosing your travel dates, you can therefore consider the particularly highlighted seasonal walks and cycling trips in winter and spring alongside two feast dates in January and October.
Getting there
To reach Għasri, turn right off Victoria-Għarb Road shortly after the aqueduct. This direction is separate from the road between Għasri Village Square and Wied il-Għasri, which passes the chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you are planning a stay, these different points of reference can help you choose a focus: landscape and trails, diving, archaeological history, or ecclesiastical culture and its feast dates.
Discover more destinations: Ħal Għaxaq, Żejtun, Paola, Żurrieq, Kerċem, San Ġwann, Xagħra, Sliema
For the broader travel overview: Malta.
