Gozo in the shade of the Tricolor

Abstract

Though much of the mediaeval history of Gozo is shrouded in obscurity, it is common knowledge that this tiny island had, for centuries on end, its full share of corsair landings and depredations. Since the coast and countryside were generally destitute of fortifications, Gozo, time and again, fell an easy prey to Barbary corsairs and Turkish pirates. They sacked with impunity, destroyed what they could not take, and carried away men, women and children to sell on the slave markets of N. Africa or have them ply the oars of their galleys. Up to 15th April, 1637, because of the frequent raids, all the inhabitants were compelled, under a severe penalty, to sleep within the walls of the Gran Castello, an inland fortress which still stands as a silent witness to Gozo's peril during past ages.