Calypso's Cave

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36°3′37.74″N 14°16′33.86″E / 36.0604833°N 14.2760722°E / 36.0604833; 14.2760722

Calypso's Cave
A crevice that leads inside the cave
Map showing the location of Calypso's Cave
Map showing the location of Calypso's Cave
The location of the cave on a map of the Maltese Islands.
Map showing the location of Calypso's Cave
Map showing the location of Calypso's Cave
Calypso's Cave (Europe)
LocationGozo, Malta
Depth0 ft
Elevation253 feet (77 m)
Entrances1
TranslationL-ghar ta' Callisso (Maltese)

Calypso's Cave (Maltese: L-Għar ta' Calisso) is a natural cave, located on the western side of the Ramla bay, near the town of Xagħra, on the island of Gozo.[1] The cave is alleged to be the one referenced in the Odyssey as the cave where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner for seven years after his ship was wrecked after a fierce storm.[2][3][4] The cave was closed to the public for fear of collapse,[5] but has reopened. The cave is commonly confused with Tal' Mixta Cave, which is located on the other side of the bay, within the confines of the Nadur local council.[6][7]

Geography and Location

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The cave's interior allegedly extends as a complex labyrinth, potentially reaching sea level at certain points. However, stone boulders block passage beyond a few meters into the cave, making comprehensive exploration impossible. [8] The cave's entrance consists of an archway approximately 1 meter high. While the interior and exterior of the cave itself are not considered particularly impressive by some visitors, the location primarily draws interest for its mythological significance and the spectacular views it offers of Ramla Bay and the surrounding landscape.[9]

Confusion with Mixta Cave

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Calypso's Cave is frequently confused with Mixta Cave (Maltese: L-għar ta' Mixta), another natural formation located on the eastern side of the same bay. This confusion is so common that it receives specific mention in many travel guides and reviews. Mixta Cave has become increasingly popular with tourists and locals alike, particularly as an alternative when Calypso's Cave has been closed. Unlike Calypso's Cave, Mixta Cave has generally remained accessible to visitors, offering similar panoramic views of Ramla Bay.[10]

Mythological significance

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The primary significance of Calypso's Cave stems from its alleged connection to Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. According to this association, Gozo would be the mythical island of Ogygia where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus (also known as Ulysses) as a "prisoner of love" for seven years after his ship was wrecked in a storm.[10]

The legend recounts that Calypso promised Odysseus immortality if he would stay with her forever. However, despite this tempting offer, Odysseus longed to return to his wife Penelope. According to the Odyssey, he eventually escaped with the intervention of the Greek gods.[11]

In one local version of the legend, Ulysses was the sole survivor of a shipwreck caused by a terrible tempest. After days clinging to a mast, he swam to land where he found food, water, flowers, and was met by Calypso, who appeared from a cave dressed in white.[12]

The identification of Gozo as Homer's Ogygia is contested. While many scholars by the 19th century had agreed that Ogygia was either Malta or Gozo, other Mediterranean islands also claim this connection. For example, the Croatian island of Mljet also contains a cave associated with the Calypso legend.[13]

Historical Significance

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Beyond its mythological associations, the area surrounding Calypso's Cave holds historical importance. On the shore below the cave lie the remains of the Marsalforn Tower, a fortification constructed by the Knights of Malta in the early 18th century to defend against seaward attacks.[9][8]

On calm days, visitors can observe the remnants of an artificial reef extending into the sea. This was part of the defensive strategy implemented by the Knights of St. John to prevent enemy landings on Ramla Beach. The design intended for enemy ships to run aground on the reef, where they would then be attacked using primitive mortar-like weapons.[14] Below the cave, the aptly named Ulysses Lodge abandoned site is also present.

References

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  1. ^ "Calypso Cave". GFR. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  2. ^ "Calypso's Cave". VisitGozo. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  3. ^ "Calypso cave - a beautiful natural site in Gozo". www.malta.com. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  4. ^ "Of tempests & Greek mythology: the legend of Gozo's Calypso's Cave in Homer's Odyssey". www.guidememalta.com. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  5. ^ "Calypso's Cave". Barbarossa Excursions Gozo, Malta & Comino. 2020-08-20. Archived from the original on 2021-10-03. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  6. ^ Go, Ralphy (12 February 2020). "A Guide to Tal Mixta Cave in Gozo Island, Malta". Beyond The Bay. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  7. ^ cuitandokter (2022-12-29). "Gozo Calypso Cave". Cuitan Dokter. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  8. ^ a b "Calypso Cave Gozo: The Legend, the Location, and More". yippeemalta.com. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  9. ^ a b By (2021-05-19). "Calypso Cave • View Point Boutique Living". View Point Boutique Living. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  10. ^ a b Ebner, Nadja. "1 less known Gozo cave that is way better than Calypso cave". www.tinystories.io. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
  11. ^ "Of tempests & Greek mythology: the legend of Gozo's Calypso's Cave in Homer's Odyssey". www.guidememalta.com. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
  12. ^ Sammut, Jeffrey (2019-12-08). "The cave of Calypso...in Mellieħa". Retrieved 2025-04-15.
  13. ^ Gaspar, Author Olly (2022-11-22). "How to Visit Calypso's Cave on Gozo & What to Expect". www.weseektravel.com. Retrieved 2025-04-15. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  14. ^ "Calypso's Cave | Gozo, Malta | Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2025-04-15.