Ras il-Wardija

Ras il-Wardija is a promontory on the southwest coast of Gozo, Malta, containing the remains of a Punic-Roman sanctuary dating from the 3rd century BC to the 4th century AD. Excavated by Italian archaeologists between 1964 and 1967, the site features a rock-hewn rectangular chamber with wall niches, a T-shaped corridor, a water reservoir, and a bell-shaped well. The name derives from 'guardia' (watch), and archaeologists propose it served as a beacon for mariners sailing between Malta and North Africa, and as a temple sanctuary dedicated to Astarte.