Mġarr (Gozo)

The harbour of Mġarr

This article is about the town and harbour in Gozo. For the town in Malta, see Mġarr. For other uses, see Mġarr (disambiguation).

Mġarr is town and harbour at the east end of Gozo, Malta.

History

Mgarr

The town of Mġarr grew up around the shallow harbour which shares its name. Ferry services to Malta were in operation by 1241, and fishing was already established. While the area around the harbour was developed over the following centuries, there was little development of the harbour itself until 1841, when a breakwater was constructed to provide more shelter to the port. This breakwater was strengthened and extended several times up to 1906. A larger breakwater was constructed between 1929 and 1935, and two more in 1969; on the completion of the latter, the area of the port was expanded to 121,400 square metres.^[1]

The ferry terminal was rebuilt at a cost of €9.3 million in the early 21st century. Work began in 2001 and took seven years, with the terminal opening in February 2008. The harbour now has facilities for around 600 passengers and 200 cars.^[2] The design of the new harbour was changed during the construction process to reduce its visual impact on the surrounding landscape.^[3]

Economy and facilities

Mġarr is the largest fishing village on Gozo. In addition to the ferry terminal, a yacht marina is also located in the town. Mġarr is overlooked by Fort Chambray, constructed in 1749 by the Knights of St. John.^[4]

In May 2010, it was announced that the marina would be privatised. Operation transferred to the Harbour Management Company Limited, who intend to modernise the marina.^[5]

The Gleneagles bar, which stands next to the original jetty in the harbour, was constructed as a cabin for ferry passengers in 1732 and has a unique sloping roof.^[1]

Transport

The port is linked to Cirkewwa on the main Maltese island by the Gozo Channel Company ferry service, which operates every 45 minutes during the day.^[6] Less frequent ferries to Comino are operated by the Comino Hotel.^[7]

A bus route connects Mgarr to Victoria, the main city on Gozo.^[8]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Mġarr Harbour ghajnsielem.com
2. ^ New Gozo ferry terminal inaugurated at Mgarr MaltaMedia News, 21 February 2008
3. ^ MEPA approves Mgarr terminal development MaltaMedia News, 13 May 2005
4. ^ Mgarr, Gozo maltassist.co.uk
5. ^ Privatisation agreement signed for Gozo’s Mġarr Marina Gozo News, 26 May 2010
6. ^ Gozo Channel Company Limited - Timetables
7. ^ Comino Hotel - Malta - Getting Here
8. ^ Gozo.gov.mt - Buses Schedule