The Azure Window has fallen

Gozo's iconic limestone natural arch has fallen, taken by nature, on March 8, 2017.

The arch disintegrated when large pieces of rock started to fall from the lower side of the arch. In 2012 the arch already showed signs of collapse when a large piece of rock fell to the sea, making the window larger.

"I have just been informed that the beautiful Tieqa tad-Dwejra in #Gozo has collapsed," Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted just a few hours ago.

In 2013 a study was carried out at the request of the Environment Ministry that found the horizontal part of the arch had already lost 90% during the past 30 years. The report was largely ignored.

"Today, Gozo has lost one of its iconic beauties. A flagship of Gozitan tourism has sunk. We as Gozitans are very saddened with the collapse of the Azure Window. Only photos remain as testimony of this touristic spot. The Azure Window was created by erosion, and it was taken by erosion. You may be able to prolong it, but you cannot prevent it." said Gozo Tourism Authority CEO Joe Muscat.

The Azure Window was situated near Dwejra Bay on the Inland Sea and used to be a very popular site among tourists as well as scuba divers. The arch was even featured in a Game of Thrones episode. Earlier this year people were still walking in despite the warning signs not to go on it.