Fungus Rock | Malta Photo Spot

Fungus Rock was created when an arch collapsed, leaving only a stack standing solo off the coast. The islet is a 60-metre-high pillar of limestone found at the entrance of a circular lagoon. During the occupation of the Knights of Malta, unauthorised access to the tiny rock was punishable by three years’ oarsmanship in the galleys! Why? Because there grew an endemic fungus which was highly prized for its medicinal properties. The Knights of Malta guarded the plant very carefully and it was an honourable gift presented to distinguished visitors to the islands. Today, the Fungus Rock is a nature reserve. (Dwejra, Gozo, Malta)