One of Malta's famous landmarks, the limestone Azure Window arch, has collapsed after being battered by a heavy storm. Also known as Tieqa tad-Dwejra, the arch was already being predicted by geologists as having the possibility of crashing down, but they never expected that it would happen this soon.
The arch has been featured in a couple of international films and other pop culture media presentations. The renowned HBO television hit series, "Game of Thrones" has used it arch as a backdrop in the Dothraki wedding scene, as well as from the movies like "Clash of the Titans," "The Count of Monte Cristo," and "The Odyssey."
The Azure Window had been formed by sea and soil erosion for over 500 years. In 1998, the landmark had been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Between those years, the country saw parts of the arch had begun to collapse and widened the arch even more so.
By 2012 up to the succeeding years, larger slabs of rocks have fallen off the arch. Authorities have warned both locals and tourists to stay clear, but many have chosen not to abide by them.
Geological reports earlier stated that the Azure Window was still relatively stable and would continue to stand for a couple of years more. However, that proved to be incorrect as the landmark collapsed yesterday.
On the start of 2017, authorities pushed to place a fine of €1,500 when one had trespassed in the arch. The policy was never enforced, and therefore, many people still climb and walk on it.
A certain Roger Chessell witnessed the crashing of the arch, told the Times of Malta, "There was a big raging sea beneath the window. Suddenly, the arch collapsed into the sea with a loud whoomph, throwing up a huge spray. By the time the spray had faded, the stack had gone too."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
