Discover the cultural history of Gozo from prehistoric times to the early modern period at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, located in the heart of the Citadel. Utilizing artifacts from various archaeological sites across Gozo, the museum offers a thematic display of the island’s rich heritage.
Situated just behind the original gateway to the Citadel, the museum is housed in an elegant 17th-century townhouse, once the residence of the Bondì family. The building fell into disrepair and was neglected until Sir Harry Luke, the Lieutenant Governor of the Maltese Islands, restored it in 1937. In May 1960, Casa Bondì was inaugurated as Gozo’s first public museum, featuring archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. In 1986, the archaeological collection was relocated to Casa Bondì as part of a reorganization of the Gozo museum collections.
The museum's permanent exhibit is divided into three main sections: Prehistory, the Classical Period, and the Medieval and Early Modern periods. The Prehistoric section explores themes such as natural resources, subsistence, daily life, religious beliefs, and burial customs. The Classical Period is represented by Phoenician, Punic, and Roman artifacts found in Gozo and Comino, including items related to burial practices, statuary, and decorative arts. The journey through Gozo’s history concludes with displays from the Medieval and Early Modern periods, culminating in the arrival of the Knights of St. John.
More information: Gozo Museum of Archaeology