Bus Route: From Victoria - Bus No.25,
42, 43 |
As soon as you enter Mgarr Harbour,
while still aboard the ferry, you could not help but notice the
welcoming landmarks of the harbour village of Ghajnsielem.
Lourdes Chapel with its sharp steeple and underlying niche
of Our Lady of Lourdes, Fort Chambray on the left-hand side dominating
the high grounds and, on the distant background, the towering belfry
of Ghajnsielem's Parish Church.
Ghajnsielem is the first Gozitan village that will greet you as
you go towards the Gozitan heartland. The name Ghajnsielem means
"a peaceful spring". A visit to Ghajnsielem should include
Mgarr Harbour and fishing village. Ideally next comes Our Lady of
Lourdes Chapel
from where, especially at sunset, a beautiful view of Mgarr Harbour
could be enjoyed.
The 18th Century Fort Chambray, which was once unsuccessfully planned
to be Gozo's Valletta, is also worth noting especially its perimeter.
Up there you can discover views of Gozo's southern cliffs, Xatt
l-Ahmar Bay and those of the Northern Comino
Channel. The narrow winding road leading to peaceful bay of Xatt
l-Ahmar could be traced from there, or else you could endeavour
towards the village centre for a visit to the majestic Lombard-Gothic
sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto.
Apart from the tranquillity of the area surrounding the convent,
one could not remain anything less than charmed by the views upon
the Gozo Channel particularly early in the morning or late at sunset.
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