Carini Farmhouses

The naturally vibrant village of Għarb possesses a unique flair in all that is traditional. Its geographical location, precisely situated at the northest point of Malta’s sister island, Gozo, enables visitors to lose themselves in the enchanting, winding streets away from the noise and commotion larger villages may create. Its character is distinctly rural and it is mostly populated by people who worked, or are still working the surrounding fields in one of the most fertile areas in the Maltese Islands.

Throughout history, Għarb played a vital role in protecting the Maltese Islands from corsair attacks. On a more positive note, in 1565, Għarb’s coastal lookouts were among the first to signal the arrival of the much needed reinforcements the Knights of St. John requested during the Great Siege of Malta. Following this historical and triumphant moment, Għarb’s lookouts proved to be crucial, sending smoke signals to warn their counterparts of any approaching peril.

1679 marks the beginning of Għarb’s parish, making it the second oldest parish in Gozo. Għarb’s first church, or as it is more commonly called, “Taż-Żejt”, served as the parish church for around fifty years. Since Gozo is an island of many myths, legend has it that an old woman found oil (“żejt”) trickling down the side of this church, and this oil cured her of all her diseases.

Upon entering the delightful village of Għarb, you will immediately notice the majestic Collegiate Basilica that dominates the small square at the very epicentre of the village. It was built in 1699, consecrated in 1729 and is dedicated to the Visit of Our Lady to her cousin Saint Elizabeth. The official Roman Catholic celebration of this feast occurs on the 31st of May but the local celebration is held during the first weekend of July.