{"id":183,"date":"2018-10-05T09:40:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-05T09:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baronholidayhomes.com\/blog\/?p=183"},"modified":"2026-02-26T11:00:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T11:00:45","slug":"its-amazing-what-you-can-discover-at-gozos-quirky-museums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baronholidayhomes.com\/blog\/its-amazing-what-you-can-discover-at-gozos-quirky-museums\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s amazing what you can discover at Gozo\u2019s quirky museums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve visited Gozo you\u2019ll know that Gozo has some spectacular natural sights, such as the towering cliffs of Ta\u2019 Cenc, as well as some fascinating ancient heritage, including the 5,000 year-old UNESCO World Heritage \u0120gantija temple complex and the medieval Citadel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Gozo also has some lesser-known attractions including some small museums which you might otherwise overlook. We\u2019ve chosen five intriguing examples that are well worth a visit and help to provide a deeper insight into Gozo\u2019s past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Address: Parish Street, Nadur, Gozo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: (+356) 21565226, (+356) 21551649<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum, Gozo. Photo credit: VisitGozo.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Where in Gozo can you expect to see a piece of timber from Lord Nelson\u2019s famous ship HMS Victory and an epaulette from Lord Mountbatten\u2019s naval uniform? The answer is the Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum<\/a> in Nadur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This little gem of a museum, loved by locals and visitors alike, first opened in 1999 thanks to the generosity of a former primary school teacher, Kelinu Grima, who donated his entire collection of naval memorabilia which he had lovingly and patiently accumulated over 65 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then the collection has grown with generous donations and you\u2019ll find a fascinating and unique selection of models, photographs, uniforms, letters, medals and assorted naval equipment all packed in to just three rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small but dedicated team of people regularly volunteer their time to open up the museum to visitors, with support from Nadur Parish Church and the local Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Museum has normally been open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm, and Saturdays between 10am and 1pm. During part of the summer the museum managed to also open for a few hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, thanks to some extra support. It will be closing for the winter for renovations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gozo Toy Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Address: Triq Gnien Xibla, Xag\u0127ra, Gozo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: (+356) 21562489<\/p>\n\n\n

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Doll\u2019s house at the Museum of Toys, Gozo. Photo credit: suitcasesandsandcastles.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Behind the unassuming green doors of an old stone house on a quiet street in the village of Xag\u0127ra<\/strong> lies one of Gozo\u2019s quirkiest museums \u2013 the Pomzkizillious Toy Museum<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering where the word \u2018pomskizillious\u2019 comes from \u2013 you\u2019ll find out in a display case devoted to the Victorian nonsense poet and artist Edward Lear who coined the word to describe Gozo when he visited in 1866.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, you\u2019ll find a unique collection of dolls and toys from all over the world \u2013 from a late 18th century Maltese doll to a selection of 1920s and 30s clockwork toys, and everything in-between. Not a computer game in sight! Your children will be amazed to see what people played with in the \u2018olden days\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The museum was put together by Susan and Edwin Lowe who brought their collection over from Devon in the 1970s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Folklore Museum \u2013 Gran Castello Historic House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Address: Triq Melite Bernardo De Opuo, The Citadel, Victoria, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21 562 034<\/p>\n\n\n

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Explore Gozo\u2019s traditional way of life at the Gran Castello Historic House. Photo credit: heritagemalta.org<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Gran Castello Historic House or Folklore Museum, is located in the old Citadel in Gozo\u2019s capital Victoria and will be of interest to anyone fascinated with Gozo\u2019s medieval architecture and social history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you enter, make sure you take in the magnificent facade of the museum which is housed in an interconnected run of 16th<\/sup> century townhouses which date back to the time of the Knights of Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside you\u2019ll find historical artefacts arranged over two floors which tell the story of Gozo\u2019s old way of life and traditions, including stone masonry, agriculture, lace-making, and hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ta\u2019 Kola Windmill<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Address: Bambina Street, Xag\u0127ra, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21561071<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Ta\u2019 Kola Windmill, Gozo. Photo credit: heritagemalta.org<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Ta\u2019 Kola Windmill in Xag\u0127ra, Gozo, is one of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands. It dates back to the early 18th<\/sup> century and it\u2019s name comes from the last miller to live here \u2013 <\/strong>\u0120uzeppi Grech who was popularly known as \u017beppu ta\u2019 Kola<\/strong> (Joseph the son of Nikola).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside you can get a glimpse of the daily life of the miller through the recreation of a workshop on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs. You\u2019ll see traditional tools, furniture, and cooking equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One interesting fact: when wind conditions were good, the miller would blow a triton-shell (bronja<\/strong><\/em>) to let the villagers know they could bring their cereals to be ground into flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart of Gozo Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address: Il Karita, just off St George\u2019s Square, Victoria, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 21557504, (+356) 79058305<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open: Daily 9am-5pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gozo\u2019s religious culture at the Heart of Gozo Museum. Photo credit: heartofgozo.com<\/em>.mt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anyone wishing to know more about Gozo\u2019s religious culture will enjoy visiting the Heart of Gozo<\/a> museum, near St George\u2019s Basilica in the island\u2019s capital, Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main aim of the museum is to promote Il-\u0126a\u0121ar<\/strong>, as the medieval town of Gozo was once known. This light, air-conditioned and well-designed museum presents Gozo\u2019s story from Neolithic times up to the present day with a changing displays of artefacts, audio visual presentations, and a collection of drawings, paintings and ceramics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save money with a Discover Gozo Combo ticket<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to visit a number attractions during your Gozo holiday you might wish to purchase a Heritage Malta Discover Gozo Combo ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Discover Gozo pass is valid for 30 days from first use and will give you admission to these museums and sites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n