Azure Window Gozo Collapse: A Natural Wonder Lost Forever

The Azure Window, a breathtaking natural wonder located on the island of Gozo in Malta, collapsed on March 8, 2017, leaving many in shock and mourning its loss.

This stunning rock formation was a 28-meter-high (92 feet) limestone arch that had been carved out by the relentless pounding of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Azure Window was a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who came to marvel at its beauty and take in the breathtaking views.

The collapse was a tragic reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preserving our natural wonders for future generations.

The Azure Window, a breathtaking limestone arch on the island of Gozo, Malta, collapsed into the sea on March 8, 2017. It was a day that left many in shock and sadness.

The arch was formed thousands of years ago and had been a popular destination for swimming, scuba diving, and boating. Its turquoise waters surrounded the limestone sculpture, making it a photographer's paradise.

The collapse was not unexpected, as reports had indicated that the landmark would be hard hit by unavoidable natural corrosion. The arch's thin structure and erosion from heavy storms made it a ticking time bomb.

The winds on the day of the collapse were particularly strong, with gale force gusts that suspended ferry services from Malta to Gozo. The storm was the final blow to the already weakened structure.

The Azure Window collapsed into the sea in 2017 due to natural erosion.

The collapse was caused by the same erosional weathering that formed the window.

Heavy storms in 2017 were the final blow, washing away the remaining structural resistance.

The base of the main pillar had been eroding for quite some time during heavy storms.

Malta's Environment Minister Jose Herrera said the collapse could not have been prevented.

Reports commissioned over the years indicated that the landmark would be hard hit by unavoidable natural corrosion.

The Azure Window was believed to be thousands of years old.

It was a popular destination for swimming, scuba diving, and boating.

A large piece of rock dislocated from the arch in 2012, leading to its devastating demise.

Gale force winds on the day of the collapse were strong enough to suspend ferry services from Malta to Gozo.

Many people expressed their sadness on social media, with some sharing photos they had taken of the window.

The collapse was a shock to those who had visited the site, with some taking photos as a tribute to the lost landmark.

The Azure Window Collapse was a devastating event that occurred on March 8, 2017, in Dwejra Bay, Gozo, Malta.

The natural limestone arch, also known as the Azure Window, had been a popular tourist destination for decades.

The collapse was caused by a combination of natural erosion and heavy rainfall that year.

The arch had been weakened by the pounding of the sea against its base, which was already compromised by the removal of a nearby tower.

The Azure Window was formed over thousands of years through the erosion of the limestone cliffs by the sea.

The collapse was a tragic loss for the people of Malta, who had grown to love the iconic landmark.

The Azure Window's collapse was a tragic event that highlights the power of nature. The limestone arch was weakened by erosion, which was inevitable according to a 2013 geological study.

A storm on Wednesday was the final blow, causing the arch to collapse into the sea. The collapse was witnessed by local resident Roger Chessell, who described the scene as a "big raging sea beneath the window" that suddenly gave way.

The arch's collapse was not entirely unexpected, as authorities had banned visitors from venturing out onto it last year due to safety concerns. The penalty for violators was a stiff $1,500.

Despite efforts to preserve the arch, time and waves ultimately took their course, as Environment Minister Jose Herrera stated at a press conference. Geologists had suggested in 2013 that the arch would survive several decades, but erosion had other plans.

The collapse of the Azure Window is a significant loss for local tourism, with about 80 percent of visitors coming to see the arch. The Gozo Tourism Association called it "the flagship of the Gozitan touristic sites" that has "sunk in its same birth place".