Wirt Għawdex

Wirt Għawdex (Gozo Heritage) is a voluntary non-governmental organisation founded in 1981 with the aims of fostering the knowledge of Gozitan heritage amongst all levels of society and to strive to safeguard the natural, archaeological, historical and anthropological patrimony of the Maltese islands of Gozo and Comino.

History

Since the early seventies, there has been a continuous attempt to safeguard the historical sites on Gozo and Comino.

Anton Spiteri, and a group of other Gozitan people, wanted to highlight the dilapidated state of the Citadel and put an aim to protect it. Initially, the conservation work was concentrated to the Citadel and the name of the organization was initially Il-Belt il-Qadima (The Old City). The first project was the restoration of the old St Joseph’s Chapel, which was ready just before St Joseph’s feast in 1974. The work was managed by T. Mercieca, and a plaque commemorates the restoration and re-inauguration. Other projects included the cleaning of the old clock, clearing weeds from the fortifications, maintenance of the cannons on the defensive parapets, and the renovation of the Old Prison.

Later, the organization expanded their interest to works beyond the Citadel, covering Gozo and Comino. At a committee meeting, on 6 July 1981, the decision was made to broaden the scope of work, and to change the official name to reflect the changes. The name Wirt Għawdex was chosen among members alone and the organization has kept the name ever since.

Sites

Wirt Għawdex has the following sites under its care :
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