Tal-Mixta Cave is a cave high up on a cliff overlooking the idyllic Ramla Bay, on the ridge opposite the popular Calypso Cave.
How can I reach it?This cave can either be reached by either climbing up from Ramla Bay, or otherwise taking the easier route by following Google Maps through the outskirts of the village of Nadur. |
| In case you opt to take the way from Nadur, be aware that this road, traversing northwards over the plateau, is narrow and a little bumpy. However, any car should make it with no problem. Once you reach the end of this road, park your car and walk about 5 minutes to the entrance of this remote cave. At the entrance, there will be a descending staircase, a tunnel and a series of steps hewn through the rock, that will take you to the cave. |  |
Is it worth the effort?Whichever way you choose, once inside, one is rewarded by a magical view, making your effort well worth it. In fact, the wide crevice of Tal-Mixta Cave acts as a window for a breathtaking view of Ramla Valley and Ramla Bay below. This popular bright-red sandy bay is by far Gozo’s widest and most famous beach. |
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Was Tal-Mixta Cave ever inhabited?Tal-Mixta Cave is one of the last intact troglodytic abodes in Gozo. Troglodytic refers to a prehistoric race of people that lived in caves, dens, or holes. It must have been inhabited from early times till the early twentieth century. This large cave was used as shelter for cattle and even the peasants used to live in it to look after their herds. |
What does the word ‘Mixta’ mean?The word ‘Mixta’ is derived from the Maltese word ‘Mxett‘, meaning ‘a place where one shelters in winter together with the cattle’. |
Are there any historical links to this cave?On July 7, 1733, two Muslim vessels dropped anchor in Ramla l-Hamra and their crew ravaged the valley in search of supplies, taking a Gozitan family of eight captive. The vulnerability of the bay thus became evident and steps were immediately taken by the Knights of St John to rectify the problem. A wall made of rough stones was built below the water surface right across the width of the bay, which can still be clearly seen on the photo below. |
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| A fougasse was excavated and an entrenchment wall constructed. Part of the latter incorporated Tal-Mixta Cave, which, apart from being sheltered, could not be seen from the open seas because its mouth overlooked the beach. |
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In 1743 the opening of the cave was blocked with stones and they left only two openings for cannons to fire against enemy’s ships.
Thus, two small openings were pierced through the sea-facing flank to accommodate cannon. It is said that within the cave there once existed a concealed staircase accessing the entrenchment wall and fougasse below. |
