Azure Window Photos and the Island of Gozo's Hidden Treasures

Gozo, a tiny island in the Maltese archipelago, is home to one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders, the Azure Window.

The Azure Window, a towering limestone arch, stood for over 600 years before it collapsed in 2017, leaving behind a stunning rock formation known as the Inland Sea.

Located on the island of Gozo, the Azure Window was a beloved tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.

The island of Gozo itself is a treasure trove of hidden gems, including ancient temples, mysterious caves, and picturesque villages.

The Azure Window formed through sea erosion of a limestone cliff face, a process that took around 500 years. This natural wonder was created through a series of events, starting with an initial notch resulting from wave action.

The notch eventually led to the formation of a vertical joint extending upwards from the notch, which progressively became wider, first forming a cave and eventually an arch. The arch was not mentioned in 17th- and 18th-century descriptions of the Dwejra area, suggesting it likely didn't exist then.

Giovanni Francesco Abela's 1647 book Della Descrizione di Malta and De Soldanis' 1746 manuscript Il Gozo Antico-Moderno e Sacro-Profano both mentioned a Tieqa Żerqa, but this referred to the cave entrance to the nearby Inland Sea, not the Azure Window.

The Azure Window was a filming location for HBO's fantasy series Game of Thrones. It was used to film the Dothraki wedding of Khal Drogo and Daenerys in Season 1.

This iconic location has been featured in many photos, capturing its stunning natural beauty. The Azure Window's unique shape and breathtaking views made it a popular spot for photographers.

The Game of Thrones connection adds to the Azure Window's allure, drawing fans of the show to visit and take photos. Fans can relive the magic of the show by visiting this incredible location.

The Azure Window of Gozo was a natural wonder that was destroyed by a powerful storm, a tragic loss for Goitian and Maltese history.

I visited the Azure Window a few years ago during my sabbatical, spending three weeks exploring the island of Malta and meeting locals.

The Azure Window was created by the sea thousands of years ago, only to be destroyed by it in an instant.

I stopped for a moment to take in its stunning beauty, and it's one of those places that made me stop and be thankful for the beauty of nature.

The summer sun of June was shining strong when I visited, and the waters were inviting many to enjoy a swim.

Visiting the Azure Window can be a breathtaking experience, especially for fans of Game of Thrones who recognize the location from the show's first season. I walked around the area to take in the otherworldly landscapes.

Tourists are advised not to climb the Azure Window, but some may ignore the signs for the sake of a photo. I photographed a few tourists who made this dangerous decision.

The Azure Window is a natural wonder that demands respect and caution, so be sure to follow the rules and regulations in place to ensure your safety.

The Azure Window was a squarish, massive arch formed naturally as part of the Gozo rock formations. It was known for being the most photographed landmark in Gozo due to its enormous size and structure.

Visitors would see hundreds of fossilised shells embedded in the rocks as they got closer, gradually realising the enormity of the structure. Every time we visited, the water presented a new experience due to its constantly shifting moods.

The Azure Window was formed over millennia by the unrelenting forces of wind and water. A large chunk of the outer megalith collapsed only sometime before, indicating that this natural wonder will perish.

Visiting the Azure Window can be a breathtaking experience, especially for fans of Game of Thrones who recognize the location from the show.

The Azure Window is a natural rock formation that was created by the sea thousands of years ago, but it was destroyed by a powerful storm.

To soak in the otherworldly landscapes, plan to spend some time walking around the area and taking photos, just like I did. Be aware of the signs not to climb the Azure Window, as some tourists have made the mistake of ignoring them.

In the summer, the sun shines strong in June, making it a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the warm weather and inviting waters.

The souvenir and ice cream stands on the periphery of the visitors area are a great place to stop and take a break.

Gozo is a beautiful island, and there are some fascinating facts about it.

The Azure Window, a famous natural rock formation, collapsed on 8th March 2017.

The height of the Azure Window was 28 meters (92 feet), making it an impressive sight.

The width of the Azure Window was 25 meters (82 feet), providing a breathtaking backdrop for movies.

Multiple movies were filmed at the Dwejra Heritage Park, using the Azure Window as a stunning backdrop.

The Dwejra area, including the Azure Window, was one of seven Maltese sites considered for UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998.

The Gozo San Lawrenz Mayor, Mr Noel Formosa, believes the Azure Window could date back a few hundred years.

Here are some key facts about the Azure Window:

After exploring the underwater world of the Azure Window, it's clear that its collapse has given rise to a unique diving attraction.

The area is now a hit in the media news, and tourists are flocking to the site to take photos and experience the underwater wonders for themselves.

The top part of the arch fell in one whole chunk, leaving behind a massive limestone boulder that's now home to marine life.

Divers of all certifications can explore the site, thanks to the varying depths ranging from 8 to 57 metres.

It requires multiple dives to fully explore all the spreading sites, but the effort is well worth it.