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This circular walk starts and ends in Nadur. This walk will
lead you from Triq Duru, to Wied Binemma a typical
Gozitian valley where traditional agricultural methods
may be observed.
The route then proceeds to the outskirts of Nadur, known
as Ta Venuta. During this part of the walk, you will enjoy
the breathtaking views of one of the most fertile valleys
that can be found on this small island. Along this part of
the walk you will also be able to closely observe the typical
garigue habitat.
On arriving at Ramla Bay, you will discover a treasure in its
own right, featuring remarkable ecological, geological,
historical and archaeological highlights. The walk proceeds
by means of an old and quiet road which will guide you
around the base of Nuffara ridge. On the way back to
Nadur, from Ta Xajma road, you will come across the
old watch tower, perched on an elevated part on the
village plateau.
A route map found in the centre pages of this booklet,
together with several stone plinths located along this
route, will help you follow along. Sticking to the set route
affords a fascinating cross-section of the Gozitan
countryside, folklore and traditions.
Distance:
Time:
10 kms
4 hours
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
The Walk
walk starts from Duru Street
T his
which is the first road on your
A group of frogs
enjoying the first morning sun
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
Ramla Bay
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
Underwater Defences
A complex series of fortifications
were devised for Ramla Bay,
including the building of an
underwater entrenchment wall. The
latter spans the whole bay and
although invisible from the sea, is
very effective in preventing vessels
from reaching the beach. The wall is
best seen from Calypsos Cave,
where you will be able to see a dark
jagged line across the bay.
Fougasses
Fougasses were excavated as close
as possible to the shore with their
axles pointing towards the most
probable route that the enemy
would take. The defenders would
charge the fougasses with a barrel of
gunpowder and then load them with
rocks, keeping the largest rocks at
the bottom.
Fougasses were meant to discharge
a shower of stones that would cause
a great deal of damage to the enemy
galleys. If they missed however, the
fougasses needed about one hour to
be reloaded, but the Knights
optimism was inexhaustible. This is
shown by a quote from Boisgelins
Ancient and Modern Malta,
Appendix IV: even if they miss their
aim they inspire great terror, from
the apprehension that a second
attempt may be more successful.
The Fougasse
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
form part of the defensive system
and is known as a fougasse.
Ramla Bay as seen from the cave that formed part of the Ramla Right Balincourt Battery
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
the Bushy Restharrow. All these
plants have developed many
adaptations that help them survive
in these harsh, dry and highly saline
conditions. Since the sand dunes
are not static and their shape
changes at a relatively fast rate,
these plants have also managed to
cope with surviving in a disturbed
environment. They can even survive
when they are buried under the
sand.
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GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
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Ta amet Chapel
Ta amet Chapel
By the 2nd September 1798, the Maltese started their revolt against the French.
News spread to the sister island of Gozo and the locals started to prepare
themselves for battle. It was Archpriest Saverio Cassar together with some Gozitan
leaders who organised the plot to overthrow the French. Liberato Grech, who was
from Xagra, was given command of a group of men from Xagra and Xewkija,
while a lawyer, Dr Giuseppe Grima was in command of a group from ebbu. The
French retreated into the fortifications. Fort Chambrai was conquered on the night
between 16 and 17th September 1798 and the Citadel was taken a few days later.
As a gesture of thanksgiving for victory over the French, Liberato Grech built this
chapel, which was then blessed by his son, Canon Salvatore Grech. A farmhouse
with a stone plinth bearing a carving of the souls in purgatory is located across the
road, in front of the chapel.
The altarpiece inside the chapel depicts Our Lady of Mount
Carmel holding Baby Jesus in her lap. It was painted in 1883
by Tommaso Madiona. The importance of this painting lies
in the fact that the artist included a view of the chapel with
a typical Gozitan landscape as the background for the lower
part of the painting.
To the left, is a painting of St Michael by Antonio Falzon,
which was installed in 1844, while an old baroque painting
of the Immaculate Conception hangs in the vestry.
Although the artist is still unknown, the picture is believed
to be a replica of the alterpiece of the Cospicua Church in
Malta.
Carving of Souls in Purgatory
into a T-junction.
Taking the
turning to the right and walking
straight ahead (4), you will arrive at
a main road. At this point you
should turn left and pass by Ta
amet chapel. The chapel has a
classical faade with the twin bell
towers being a later addition. The
new chapel was built side-by-side
the old chapel, which had become
too small for its congregation.
Although the chapel is open daily,
the front door of the old chapel is
normally kept closed as service is
usually held in the new chapel. The
chapel may be accessed through the
vestry to the right of the front door,
or by crossing the car park on the
right hand side of the chapel.
Leaving the chapel and walking
straight on, you will arrive at a
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GOZO C O U N T R Y S I D E W A L K S
roundabout. Take a left turn and
walk along the Ta Xajma road to
the starting point of the walk.
As you walk uphill along Ta
Xajma road, note the signal tower
that stands on a high ridge. This
Signal tower is known as Ta
Kenuna. It was built during the
English rule in the middle of the
nineteenth century. The tower was
later used as a telegraph post.
Today the tower has been restored
and is still being used for
communication purposes, as the
antennae set up on its roof indicate.
A closer look at the Red Flower of Sulla
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Authority.
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Email: info@visitmalta.com
Ramla Walk
While hiking along this route, you will explore several of Gozos natural, geological,
historical and traditional features. However, particularly distinctive of this walk are the
relaxing sounds of one of the most fertile valleys on the island. Here you will discover
the unique colour of the red sand at Ramla and enjoy the panoramic views offered by
the Gozitan countryside.
Barija Walk
Passing through:
Passing through:
Girgenti Walk
Passing through:
Passing through:
Saltpan Walk
Passing through:
Passing through:
Passing through:
Passing through:
Price Lm1.00