A small museum with a treasure trove of naval memorabilia

Nadur in Gozo is mostly renowned among the Maltese for its spontaneous carnival, but few may know that it boasts of a unique museum housing a treasure trove of naval memorabilia. The Kelinu Grima Maritime Museum is privately owned by the church. It was founded in 1999 by the late Kelinu Grima, a primary school teacher who spent some 65 years collecting hundreds of maritime objects. Exhibits include models, naval uniforms, flags, photographs, vessel parts and other priceless objects such as authenticated pieces of timber from Lord Nelson’s ship HMS Victory, the Constitution, which was the first US warship, as well as one of Lord Mountbatten’s gold epaulettes which he wore during his period of duty in the Mediterranean. The numerous items on show, spread out in three rooms, take visitors through three centuries of maritime history. There are more than 300 vessel crests adorning the museum walls and many other rare articles related to the sea. There are also various craft of all shapes and sizes, which will remind one of the hardy and famous men who guided them to their destinies in times of peace and war. Above all else, this museum is the only one of its type in Gozo and is...