The Azure Window rock arch collapsed on the island of Gozo

The legendary rock arch The Azure Window has ceased to exist. The extremely distinctive landscape feature on the island of Gozo collapsed during a storm.

Very sad news has come from Malta today. As a result of the powerful storm that hit the island of Gozo, magnificent rock formation The Azure Window disappeared into the sea. The whole incident was announced via social media by the Prime Minister of Malta – Joseph Muscat.

-- Advertisement --

Treasure of Gozo

Anyone who has visited the Maltese island of Gozo has certainly been impressed by the rock arch known as The Azure Window. Therefore, this extremely distinctive element Dwejra Bay has always functioned in people’s minds as an inseparable symbol of Gozo.

The site from where one could admire it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/S4XV6MyKRu

– Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) March 8, 2017

The arch 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”.

The erosion of The Azure Window was progressing and was clearly visible in photographs taken over the decades. The upper part of the arch was getting thinner and thinner and was predicted to imminent disappearance. However, no one expected that not even a trace would be left of the arch.

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

The Azure Window was created by the collapse of two limestone caves. Without doubt, this 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 and a popular spot both above and below the water. Every year it attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world.