Discover Għasri: Landscapes, Chapels and History

Għasri combines impressive landscapes with religious history and fascinating traces of the past. At its centre is Wied il-Għasri, whose watercourse rises at Dbiegi Hill. In the sea around Wied il-Għasri, divers explore the surrounding underwater caves. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Għasri can plan a stay that combines nature experiences, walks and cultural discoveries.

Landscapes and paths around Għasri

The Wied il-Għasri area is particularly suitable in winter and spring for walks through the countryside and for cycling. This seasonal focus makes the area appealing to travellers who enjoy spending their days outdoors while combining different activities. The hilltop around the Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse offers panoramic views. The footpath to this lighthouse involves a moderately steep ascent; this terrain should therefore be taken into account when personally planning the excursion.

The Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse was built in 1851 during British rule. The route from Għasri Village Square to Wied il-Għasri also has a special cultural connection: it passes a charming old chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A stay in Għasri can therefore be experienced not only through individual sights, but also through the combination of landscapes, paths and sacred architecture.

Churches, feasts and historical traces

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. Several specific details in the St Publius Chapel recall the history of the place: the foundation stone was laid on 26 July 1850, and the chapel was blessed on 10 October 1852. Its two bells are called Publiju and Pawlu. The feast of Saint Publius is celebrated on the third Sunday in January.

Wied l-Għasri also preserves archaeological evidence. In April 1979, an early Roman tomb carved into the rock was discovered there. The pottery from this tomb is stylistically dated to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Many urns still contain cremated human remains. For those interested in culture, this creates a particular contrast with today’s landscape experiences along the watercourse and around the lighthouse.

Għasri as a starting point for planning your trip

When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether you would like to focus on walks and cycling, underwater caves, or churches and historical sites. A holiday apartment in Għasri is suited to trip planning that places these themes at the centre without limiting the stay to just one type of experience. For arrival, using the Victoria-Għarb Road as a reference is helpful: shortly after the aqueduct, turn right to reach Għasri.

If you would like to compare other places for your trip planning, here is a compact overview: Mosta, Birżebbuġa, Nadur, Mqabba, Gozo, St. Julians, Pembroke and Marsaxlokk.

For the overarching travel overview: Malta.