Azure Window Ruins | Gozo

Azure Window Ruins

The Azure Window, also known as Tieqa Żerqa, was a world-famous natural limestone arch on the coast of Gozo near Dwejra Bay. Tragically, this iconic landmark collapsed into the sea during a storm on March 8, 2017. Though the arch itself is gone, its underwater ruins and the surrounding area remain a site of fascination for divers and visitors.

The Original Azure Window

Formation:

• The Azure Window was a natural geological formation created over millennia by sea and wind erosion. It featured a 28-meter-high arch that stood against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
• The site was a popular location for photographs, films, and television series, including Game of Thrones and Clash of the Titans.

Collapse:

• The arch had been eroding for years, with parts of it falling into the sea prior to its total collapse.
• A combination of natural erosion and the storm's force caused the entire structure to crumble.

The Ruins Today

Underwater Remains:

• The collapsed pieces of the Azure Window now lie at the bottom of the sea, forming a unique underwater landscape.
• The ruins have become a major attraction for scuba divers, who explore the jagged limestone fragments and the marine life that has begun to colonize the area.

Diving Experience:

• Divers can navigate through the massive rock formations, which create tunnels and crevices.
• The site is part of the Dwejra Marine Protected Area, ensuring rich biodiversity, including octopuses, groupers, and moray eels.

Surrounding Attractions

Inland Sea:

• A nearby lagoon connected to the sea through a natural tunnel in the cliffs. Boat trips take visitors through the tunnel to view the coastal formations.

Fungus Rock:

• A small islet near the ruins, historically known for the medicinal plant (cynomorium) that was once harvested there.

Blue Hole:

• A popular diving site adjacent to the Azure Window ruins, featuring a vertical underwater chimney that connects to the open sea.

Visiting the Area

Accessibility:

• The ruins are best experienced through scuba diving. For non-divers, boat tours and coastal walks provide a glimpse of the site’s beauty.

Safety:

• While the cliffs around Dwejra remain accessible, caution is advised when exploring the rugged coastline.

Symbolism and Legacy

• Despite its loss, the Azure Window remains a symbol of Gozo’s natural beauty and cultural identity.
• The site’s transformation from an iconic landmark to an underwater marvel is a reminder of the dynamic forces of nature.

Tips for Visitors

1. Diving Certification:
   • Ensure you are certified to dive at the appropriate level to explore the ruins.
2. Photography:
   • While the arch itself is gone, the surrounding landscape, especially at sunset, offers breathtaking views.
3. Respect Nature:
   • The area is part of a marine protected zone, so visitors are encouraged to leave no trace and respect wildlife.

Conclusion

The Azure Window may have disappeared from Gozo’s skyline, but its legacy lives on beneath the waves and in the hearts of those who admired it. The site now offers a unique perspective for divers and continues to draw visitors who wish to witness the beauty of Gozo’s evolving landscape.