Ghasri

About Ghasri

Ghasri is a town located in the west of Gozowith population of 525 people (as of March 2014). The town is famous for the Gordan lighthouse located on Gordan Hill. This small village lies between the towns of Zebbug and Gharb.

The name of the town "Ghasri" is a Maltese name that came from the Semitic word "Ghasar" meaning (Squees) according to A.E. Caruana. This name could also have been given to the town due to the fact that this location was used to produce olive oil. the Ghasri village church which is dedicated to Christ the Saviour was built in the 20th Century. The first foundation stone was laid on 6th September 1903 and it was designed by a local priest named Dun Guzepp Diacono. 

Wied l-Ghasri

Wied l-Ghasi is a valley that begins from Dbiegi Hill. It makes its way between Gordan Hill and Zebbug which flows into the sea between two high cliffs. At the end of the valley lies a narrow bay which is a gem for those whos seek a quiet place to take a dip. 

Wied l-Ghasri is easily accessible by car or walk from either Ghasri which is 2km south of the valley or from Malsarforn which is 300m to the east. Arriving at the edge of the valley there is a rocky parking where you can leave your car, all you need to do is a walk down the long staircase that leads to the Gem in the Gozitan island. (Please be careful while going down the stairs )

Gordan Hill & Lighthouse

Gordan Lighthouse was built on the 21-meter high hill called Gordan Hill. The Lighthouse is a dominant building in Ghasri ad stands 180 meters above sea level. The construction of the lighthouse started in June of 1852 and it was officially opened on the 15th of March 1983. Sir William Reid the Governor of Malta at the time inaugurated the latter which at the time oil was used to light it up. Its beam could be seen from a proximity 50 km away. in the year 2019 the lighthouse was renovated and brought back to its former glory after years of abandonment.

The lighthouse had an integral part in the defence of the Maltese islands, especially during World War II.  During the was a radar was installed in the lighthouse which due to its location could detect enemy attacks very early giving time for the air raid sirens to be rung to warn people to take shelter from the coming attack. In the year 1962 an electrical lantern was installed and it had a power of around 894,000 candles. This lantern was then replaced again In 1994 with the one that is still installed today.

The Niche of Our Lady of the Annunciation

Situated in the heart of the village of Ghasri the niche of Our Land of Annunciation lies where Triq  Salvu Gambin meets triq il-Knisja. The Niche dates back to the 5th of November 1773 according to the date carved into the back of the stonework. The niche is carved into the stone in a very traditional way for Gozo. The Niche consists of a statute on of the Angle Gabriel which is announcing to the Virgin Mary that she is going to be the Mother of God. A unique feature of this niche is that it stands on a balcony supported by three columns. 

On the feast of Corpus Christie, the processions held by the local church community stop in front of this niche. Benediction is given from the balcony top (which is accessible from a staircase on the right side of the balcony). This religious custom dates back he the 18th Century.

In 2002 restoration on the niche and balcony started due to the fact that this niche was in danger of collapse. The Original marble inscription was removed and relocated to the parish church in order to preserve it from further deterioration. In 2018 the niche restoration works were done again.

l-Maxrabija Windows

There are three very unique windows on the island of Gozo.  Two of them are found in Ghasri. Maxrabija is a kind of window (in Arab style) from which one can look out of but cannot be seen.