Għarb (Maltese: L-Għarb) is an administrative unit of Malta, located at the westernmost point of the island of Gozo, with a population of 1,539 people (as of March 2014).[1]
Etymology
The name Għarb (غرب) comes from the Arabic word for "West," which is fitting since the village is the westernmost point on Gozo.
History
Għarb started as a small hamlet which developed around the middle ages. One can see its ancient roots in the centre of the village where some houses have fine examples of decorated stone balconies. Għarb was created as a parish in 1679, a move which gave impetus for the building of a new, baroque parish church. Built between 1699 and 1729, it has a façade which has been compared to Francesco Borromini's Church of Saint Agnes in Piazza Navona, Rome. On the square is a folklore museum housing memorabilia recounting the rural history of the Maltese islands.
Landmarks
Għarb lies in some of Gozo's most scenic countryside, particularly at Dbieġi, the highest hill on Gozo island. Also at Dbieġi is a centre for Gozitan crafts. Within the limits of Għarb is the Chapel of San Dimitri. According to legend, the first chapel was built on the cliff side by a woman whose son was freed from captivity by St. Demetrius. Also nearby is the Basilica ta' Pinu, Malta's pre-eminent shrine to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. The parish church, also a basilica, is dedicated to the Visitation of Saint Mary to her cousin Saint Elizabeth.
