March 8th 2016, London: A sad day for the Mediterranean island, today saw the tragic collapse of the iconic Azure Window in Gozo. A breath-taking structure that is believed to be thousands of years old, rough seas have finally taken their toll as the magnificent limestone arch has finally crumbled into the Inland Sea.

One of the most popular destinations on the Maltese archipelago, the idyllic turquoise waters surrounding the limestone sculpture has been a popular site for swimming, scuba diving and boating.

2012 saw a large piece of rock dislocated from the imposing arch, an alteration that has significantly led to its devastating and eventual demise.

While the Azure Window might have finally fallen after thousands of years teetering in its precarious position, the memory of the structure will live on particularly with its presence in blockbuster films. The formation can be seen in films such as Clash of the Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo. The Azure Window was also the backdrop of the wedding between Daenerys and Drogo in the first episode of the hugely popular television series, Game of Thrones.

The arch stands very close to another cultural landmark, Dwejra Bay. A dramatic coastal formation that wraps around the Azure Window, the bay is heralded as one of the top five dive sites in Malta. Despite the heart-breaking collapse of this natural monument, the area will continue to be one of the island’s most picturesque attractions particularly with its sapphire lagoon, excellent hikes, and rockpools abundant in marine life.