Gozo Aqueduct, British colonial aqueduct in Kercem, Malta
The Gozo Aqueduct is a water channel supported by a series of stone arches that runs through the countryside between Ghar Ilma and Victoria. The structure spans across the landscape using a repeating pattern of curved supports to carry water downhill.
British authorities built this structure between 1839 and 1843 to move water across the Gozo region. The project came about because the island needed a reliable way to distribute water to different communities.
The structure reflects practical approaches to water transport, using stone arches built into the landscape in ways that local residents could understand and maintain. It remains a visible reminder of how colonial authorities shaped infrastructure choices on the island.
The best way to reach it is on foot, taking about a 20-minute walk from the center of Victoria along Triq Il-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II road. Wear comfortable shoes since the path crosses through open countryside with uneven ground.
An obelisk marks where water reservoirs were built inside a ditch at the Cittadella to store water from the aqueduct system. These storage tanks reveal how the engineers planned to keep water flowing throughout the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
