Għar Qawqla

Għar Qawqla is a limestone formation located off Marsalforn on the island of Gozo in Malta. It was formerly a natural arch connected to the mainland,[1] but the span collapsed at some point during the 20th century. It has been speculated that the name Marsalforn might be partially derived from forna, referring to the natural sea caves of the area, of which Għar Qawqla was one of the best-known.[2] The formations stands about 7.9 meters (26 ft) off the shore.[3][4]

Għar Qawla
Top to bottom: Before and after the collapse
Geography
ArchipelagoMaltese Archipelago
Area190.34 m2 (2,048.8 sq ft)
Length17.65 m (57.91 ft)
Width1.72–13.44 m (5 ft 8 in–44 ft 1 in)
Highest elevation4 m (13 ft)
Għar Qawqla

Today, all that remains of the arch is a 3-metre-tall (9.8 ft) pillar, from which both locals and tourists often jump into the sea.[2] A shallow natural pool is located nearby.[5] The area is also a diving site. It is mostly used for training purposes since it is described as "not inspiring".[2][3]

See also

References
  1. Dandria, David (23 April 2017). "Fallen arches". Times of Malta. Archived from the original on 26 August 2018.
  2. Salter, Richard (2017). Diving Gozo and Comino: The essential guide to an underwater playground. Dived Up Publications. p. 57. ISBN 9781909455160.
  3. "Għar Qawqla". visitgozo. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  4. Z. Ciantar, Joe (2000). The Placenames of the Coast of Gozo (MALTA). Ħal Tarxien, Malta: Gutenberg Press. p. 59. ISBN 99932-0-025-5.
  5. Borg, Victor Paul (2002). The Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo. Rough Guides. p. 217. ISBN 9781858286808.

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