Visitors are being invited to experience the magic of a star-filled night sky at Dwejra – Discover Dwejra’s Dark Sky.
Din L-Art Helwa – Ghawdex is organising an evening event at the coastal tower situated at Dwejra, which is a designated ‘Dark Sky Heritage Area’ and one of the least light-polluted areas of Gozo.
They explained that here will also be the opportunity to see inside the 17th century Dwejra coastal watchtower, which was extensively restored in 1997 by Din l-Art Helwa, Malta’s National Trust. This Grand Master Lascaris tower dates from 1652 and has a rich and fascinating history.
Sunday, the 5th of September is the date to remember, and visitors will be welcome from 7.30pm onwards for what promises to be a memorable evening.
The tower is located within a protected Natura 2000 site and overlooks the dramatic western coast of Gozo offering panoramic roof-top views of Fungus Rock, Dwejra Bay and the nearby Inland Sea.
The NGO explained that Dwejra is an excellent place to observe the dark sky on a summer’s evening. With a new moon, visitors may also be lucky enough to catch sight of the Milky Way, which can be seen clearly at this time of year.
They said that observing stars and meteors requires no special instruments such as telescopes or binoculars, just sit or lie down in a suitable space to view as large an area of the night sky as possible.
Entrance is free of charge, but donations are always appreciated, the NGO said.
Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex volunteers will welcome visitors to the tower and they are encouraged to bring along a camera or mobile to take away unforgettable ‘selfies’ of photos of this unique heritage site surrounded by nature.
Covid regulations will apply.
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS:
Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex follows the current legal regulations around Covid-19 for cultural sites. including:
*The maximum number of people allowed inside the tower at any one time is limited.
* Visitors will only be admitted inside the tower by volunteers.
*Please respect the 2 metres social distancing rules inside and outside the tower.
*Visitors must wear a face mask inside the tower and should use the hand sanitiser provided when entering and leaving the building.
*Basic personal details must be provided for contact tracing purposes. The information will be destroyed once no longer required.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT:
Din L-Art Helwa – Ghawdex has asked that visitors please park responsibly and do not damage protected vegetation or block roads or tracks leading to and from the tower.
Do keep the environment in mind and attempt to carpool, cycle, or walk to the venue.
The walk up from the nearest parking area to the tower takes around 15 minutes on a steep and uneven tracks. We suggest visitors wear footwear with a good grip, bring a torch (preferably with a red light setting) or a mobile phone a torch function and plenty of drinking water.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
FOR MAPS AND DIRECTIONS:
Please refer to the map given in this link [1] to the free, downloadable walking guide or visit https://www.facebook.com/Dwejra.tower [2]
Din L-Art Helwa – Ghawdex advised that there are no toilet facilities inside the tower, but there are free public toilets located down in Dwejra. Smoking is not permitted inside the tower.
They also said hat both the tower roof and basement/ cistern area can only be accessed by narrow, steep stone staircases which have handrails.
Free information sheets about the tower’s history will be available on request in Maltese and English.
For more information or event queries, please contact Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex on Tel: +356 21225952 / 21220358 or by email to info@dinlarthelwa.org [3]
Photo: The Milky Way seen in all its glory in August last year [4], in a beautiful photo by Maggie Bajada taken with Dwejra Tower below during a New moon phase and as a plane was passing by.