Riħ id-Deheb Historical House and Natural Grotto, located in the traditional hilltop village of Żebbuġ in Gozo, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Gozitan heritage across multiple historical layers – from prehistoric geology to contemporary artistic and cultural practice. Often described by visitors as a “hidden cultural house” rather than a conventional museum, Riħ id-Deheb combines the intimacy of a historic family home with the richness of a curated heritage collection and the uniqueness of a natural underground grotto.
The site’s oldest element is the natural grotto beneath the house, formed millions of years ago through natural water erosion of softer rock layers beneath Upper Coralline limestone, typical of northern Gozo. Historical evidence suggests that the cave was already known by the late 16th century.
Today, Riħ id-Deheb functions not only as a house museum but also as a living cultural venue. The space is regularly used for music recitals, lectures, workshops, presentations, and small cultural gatherings, allowing visitors to experience heritage within an active contemporary cultural environment. The natural grotto itself provides a unique setting for artistic performances, gastronomy events, and cultural installations, continuing its long history of adaptive use.
Visits are typically organised through guided appointments, allowing for an intimate and personalised experience. Visitors move through historic domestic spaces filled with curated collections before descending into the natural grotto, creating a rare transition from cultural heritage environment to raw geological landscape. Together, the house and grotto represent a micro-history of Gozo: prehistoric natural formation, early religious use, rural industry, 20th-century domestic life, and 21st-century cultural and artistic revival. For travellers seeking authentic, lesser-known heritage experiences, Riħ id-Deheb offers a unique encounter where art, nature, history and living culture exist under one roof.
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