Casa Gemelli, Victoria in Gozo


Casa Gemelli, 21 Republic Street, Victoria VCT 1012

Newly opened in 2017, this is a beautiful old traditional building in the heart of Victoria (Rabat) and just around the corner from either the spectacular Citadel or the bus station – not quite as spectacular but some great sculptures on the grass area in front. There are 9 rooms, including one specially set up for those with disabilities, with some wonderful antique Maltese/Gozitan furniture plus an excellent modern shower room.


The lounge area outside at the back of the house has big, comfy basket chairs and cushions, and they are happy to supply wine glasses if you want to indulge in a bottle of wine bought from nearby stores. There is also a private balcony, and at the back of the house, no noise from passing traffic – although there are a lot of church bells around the Citadel! Breakfast is freshly cooked, a substantial full English breakfast or choice of items plus continental and, of course, lots of home-made cakes.



 
This is a perfect location, and from our room we had a clear view of the splendid Citadel, free to visit and oddly, open 24 hours – looks splendid in the dark with its atmospheric lighting, but it is strange being able to walk freely around such a site in the late evening. There is so much to see in Victoria as it is the main city on the island of Gozo, and just walking around back streets is fascinating. We love the park just across the car park near the bus station, interesting mix of plants and lots of different sculptures to enjoy. We made a point of following the big sign near the bus station for Gozo Museum only to find it is a site “allocated” for the museum by 2020.

The guest house is next to the main square with lots of bars and cafes to choose from. We liked the Jubilee which offers a good range of food, served until 10pm, and drinks including their home-made watermelon lemonade (or add it to a martini for an extra kick!), and a choice of seating outside in the square or inside the air-conditioned bar. If you just want cheap and cheerful beer at €1 and glass of (drinkable) red wine at €2.50, the little bar on the island near the bus station is a good stopping off point.



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