Iconic Rock Arch From 'Game of Thrones' Falls Into Malta Sea
VALLETTA, Malta (AP) — The Azure Window, a natural rock arch which jutted onto the sea off Malta and was a backdrop for the "Game of Thrones" TV series, has collapsed in a storm.
Terrible news this morning. The 'Azure Window' is lost and gone forever. #GameofThrones #GOT7 #Malta #Gozohttps://t.co/ZAOw5OlKg4 pic.twitter.com/50L1o08dpx
— Stephanie Attard (@StephAttard) March 8, 2017
Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted his "heartbreaking" sadness at the loss Wednesday of one of the main tourist attractions on the island of Gozo.
No one was injured.
The site from where one could admire it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/S4XV6MyKRu
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) March 8, 2017
Geologist Peter Gatt said the limestone pillar supporting the arch gave way. He attributed the collapse to years of erosion by both under- and over-ground sea swells.
The window also served as a backdrop in the 1981 movie "Clash of the Titans."
With parts of the rock formation crumbling over the years, the government last month enacted €1,500 fines ($2,300) for anyone caught walking across the arch.