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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2024 in a circulation of 100,000 copies. The first in the new series "Maltese Fortress Cities" (2024-2026). Dedicated to the Citadel on Gozo. Minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a panorama of the Citadel (Iċ-Ċittadella) on the island of Gozo - characteristic fortified walls rising above the hill in the city of Victoria (Rabat). The silhouettes of the domes of the cathedral and other historic buildings inside the fortress walls are visible. At the top, in an arc, is the inscription "Iċ-Ċittadella" (Citadel in Maltese). Below - "MALTA" and the year "2024". On the outer ring - 12 EU stars.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with fine ribbing, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
The Citadel (Iċ-Ċittadella, or simply Cittadella) is a fortified old town on a hill in the center of the island of Gozo, within the modern city of Victoria (Rabat). This is the oldest part of Gozo - human settlements have existed here since at least 1500 BC (Bronze Age), the Phoenicians and Romans built city walls here. In the Middle Ages, the Citadel was the capital of Gozo and served as the main refuge for the island's inhabitants during attacks by Barbary pirates - in particular, in 1551, when the Turkish corsair Dragut Reis captured Gozo and took over 5,000 inhabitants into slavery. After that, the Knights of St. John significantly strengthened the Citadel with new bastions built in the style of Renaissance fortifications (1599-1622). Inside the fortress walls are the Gozo Cathedral of the 17th century. (architect Lorenzo Gafa), the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, squares. The Citadel is the most famous architectural monument of Gozo, a symbol of the island.