Sunday, December 10, 2023

Gharb means 'west' and it is the westernmost village of Gozo, some 3 kilometres northwest of Victoria (Rabat).  Gharb was created a parish in 1679, and shortly afterwards, between  1699 and 1729 a  new baroque style parish church was built which was consecrated on 28th September 1755.  The church has an elegant facade and is said to be one of the most architecturally perfect churches  on Gozo; comparable with Borromini's Sant' Agnese in the Piazza Navona, Rome.  Within the limits of Gharb one can find the quaint chapel of San Dimitri, and nearby is the Basilica Ta' Pinu, Malta's shrine to the Virgin Mary.

'In Extremo Vigilat'

'Sentinel at the Borderline'

'Sentinella Fit-Truf'

Gharb lies in some of Gozo's most delightful countryside.  Particularly so at Dbiegi, which is the highest hill on the island.  The village square is much photographed, but retains its typical Gozitan atmosphere and charm.