NUOVA DOCUMENTAZIONE DIGITALE DEL SANTUARIO DI RAS IL-WARDIJA, GOZO (MALTA)

Abstract

The promontory of Ras il-Wardija, on the northwestern cusp of the Island of Gozo, holds one of the most
spectacular temples of the ancient Mediterranean dedicated to the Phoenician goddess Astarte. The Phoenician-
Punic Sanctuary of Ras il-Wardija dates to the 4th century BC and lasts in use throughout the Roman
period (3rd century BC–2nd century AD). It was one of the Mediterranean sanctuaries dedicated to the Great
Goddess of sailors, along the ancient “Route of the Great Islands” connecting the eastern and western Mediterranean.
The general plan of the sanctuary has been clarified by the excavations of the Italian Mission
between 1963 and 1967. Almost 50 years after the Italian excavations at the Ras il-Wardija, the University
of Rome Sapienza has resumed excavations on the site with the twofold aim of clarifying the nature of the
cult performed in the sanctuary, and to undertake an enhancement project of this spectacular sacred place
with Heritage Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. Since the end of the Italian excavations,
the Sanctuary has remained covered, because the Wardija promontory is subject to constant and inexorable
erosion by atmospheric agents, especially the wind, and if left uncovered would be severely damaged. The
Sapienza Archaeological Expedition at Gozo carried out the 3D scanning and photogrammetry, and a 3D
virtual model of the sacred area. The 3D model allows a virtual visit to the site, which is currently partially
covered, and represents a photogrammetric record of the degree of erosion of the uncovered parts of the
Sanctuary, such as the Cave complex and the Temple on the lower terrace, potentially useful for future restorations.