The Azure Window

An iconic part of Malta’s heritage is no more. The Azure Window on the western side of the island of Gozo, the sister island of Malta collapsed on Wednesday March 8^th at 9:40 AM. It is situated in the area called Dwejra. Yes, we were experiencing a severe storm when it happened, but obviously the collapse was the result of years of erosion, sea water splashing on the massive boulder that created such a scenic view for tourists and locals alike. The natural arch was photographed millions of times by photographers from around the world, and 80% of the visitors to the island of Gozo, made sure to visit the Azure Window. They posed in front of it, while a few others ventured to walk on it, something was prohibited over the past few months. 

The Azure Window used as a backdrop for the 1981 movie "Clash of the Titans"

From the photos one can see that it was much fuller in size, as was the case when it was used as a backdrop for the movie “Clash of the Titans,” filmed in 1981. Recent photos show the horizontal part crumbling piece by piece. The window was used as a backdrop also in the movies “The Odyssey” (1997), “The Count of Monte Cristo” (2002) and HBO’s TV series “Game of Thrones.” The Azure Window was created after two limestone sea caves collapsed. Researchers say that it was created around the 1870s. The flagship of the Gozitan touristic sites has sunk in its same birth place from where for many decades, it stood high and proud heralding one of the natural beauties the little island is endowed with. 

All Gozitans as well as Maltese were saddened with this loss. Although Dwejra had been "orphaned" with the loss, the tourism community in Gozo believed Dwejra would continue to attract thousands of tourists every day.