THE FAMOUS AZURE Window landmark in Malta, located on the island of Gozo, has collapsed following a storm.
Malta’s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, described the news as “heartbreaking”, underlying how proud the country was of the stunning natural arch.
The striking natural limestone arch near the Dwejra Bay collapsed yesterday morning after bad weather hit the island.
The Malta Tourism Authority said that concerns about the Azure Window’s long-term future had grown over the past year.
Falling rocks had even led to a ban on accessing the site – although the Malta Today newspaper reported earlier this week that people were continuing to ignore the ‘no entry’ signs.
In January, waves from rough seas broke off a large slab at the base of one of the arch’s cliffs.
“A three-month geological study published in 2013 had concluded that erosion was inevitable,” said the authority.
The Azure Window was created after two limestone sea caves collapsed. It soon became a popular tourist site, attracting thousands of people every year.
It was featured in Clash of the Titans and was the backdrop for the wedding between Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones.
Peter Vella, Director of the Malta Tourism Authority for the UK and Ireland said:
We are deeply saddened to lose such a magnificent landmark. The Azure Window was a spectacular site and a natural wonder. Although this is a very sad day for Malta & Gozo Dwejra still has other great sites for tourists, such as the inland sea and the Fungus Rock.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say