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Stunning footage of collapsed rock arch The Azure Window - video

Listen to this article The rock arch of The Azure Window unfortunately no longer exists. At least not in its original form. However, underwater it still makes a great impression! In early March 2017, we reported on the collapse of one of the greatest symbols of the Maltese island of Gozo – The Azure Window.

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: April 13, 2020 - 09:00

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 15:02

Stunning footage of collapsed rock arch The Azure Window – video

Listen to this article

The rock arch of The Azure Window unfortunately no longer exists. At least not in its original form. However, underwater it still makes a great impression!

In early March 2017, we reported on the collapse of one of the greatest symbols of the Maltese island of Gozo – The Azure Window. This majestic geological formation was destroyed During an unusually strong storm. Shortly after the collapse, our compatriots took stunning photos of the collapsed rock arch from under the water, showing the remains of what once proudly rose above the sea surface.

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Rock formation under water — The collapsed arch of The Azure Window is still impressive Fot. Konrad Baar

The inevitability of change

The erosion of The Azure Window has progressed and has been clearly visible over photos taken over the decades. The upper part of the arch was getting thinner and thinner and its imminent disappearance was predicted. However, no one expected that not even a trace of the arch would be left.

Divers take pictures of collapsed rock arch — Today, The Azure Window is only an attraction for divers Fot. Konrad Baar

Until January 2017, when a large chunk of the base disappeared. Now powerful waves during an unusually strong storm have claimed the rest, taking the rock arch underwater as if it never existed.

In January 2017, a strong storm partially damaged the Azure Window, and on 8 March another storm rendered Malta’s tourist attraction non-existent. Today it is now an attraction exclusively for divers. Here is a short film from the site. Philipp Breicha and Tomek Fotek appear in the film.

Published by Konrad Baar on April 19, 2017

The symbol of Gozo has been immortalised in countless photographs taken by locals and tourists alike, as well as in high budget film productions such as the hugely popular series “Game of Thrones”.

Underwater rock formation Gozo — The arch was an extremely characteristic symbol of Gozo Fot. Konrad Baar

The Azure Window was formed by the collapse of two limestone caves. Without a doubt, it is a huge loss for all residents and lovers of the Maltese island of Gozo. The rock formation was one of the most iconic symbols of the region, a popular spot both on the surface and underwater. It also attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

diving Gozo rock formations — Certainly many divers will soon come to see the collapsed arch Fot. Konrad Baar

Landscape under water

On the surface, there is no trace of the arch, but for divers the world does not end at the surface. On the contrary! It only begins there, and what is most interesting is, as usual, hidden under the surface of the water. So it didn’t take long for the first dives to be carried out on the ruins of Azure Window. Especially as everyone was curious about what was now at the bottom…

Diving in Gozo — The Azure Window has been captured on countless photographs and films Fot. Konrad Baar

Once awe-inspiring, visited by millions of tourists and immortalised in countless photographs and films. Today, Azure Window is a sad memory of what it still was until Wednesday 8 March 2017. But it certainly has a chance to regain some of its lustre as a diving attraction.

photos of a collapsed rock arch on Gozo — Let’s hope that underwater it will be an equally great attraction Fot. Konrad Baar

Photos of the collapsed rock arch of The Azure Window were taken by divers in April 2017. Konrad Baar, Philipp Breicha and Tomek Fotek from Jacek Chojnacki’s Family Diving Gozo dive centre participated in the dives.

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.