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Cathedral of the Assumption: Gozo's Baroque Masterpiece

Discover Gozo's rich history and artistic beauty at the Cathedral of the Assumption, a Baroque masterpiece in Victoria's ancient Cittadella.

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The Cathedral of the Assumption, located within the Cittadella of Victoria, Gozo, is a stunning Baroque cathedral designed by Lorenzo Gafà. Built between 1697 and 1711, it stands on the site of a Roman temple and subsequent churches, serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gozo since 1864.

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Local tips

  • Visit the Cathedral Museum to see a collection of religious art and artifacts, including silverware and medieval tombstones.
  • Take time to admire the trompe-l'oeil painting on the ceiling, which creates the illusion of a dome.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the cathedral, as it is a place of worship.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the Cittadella, exploring its historic streets and other attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Independence Square (It-Tokk) in Victoria, walk northwest. It-Telgħa tal-Belt, the road leading to the Cittadella, begins at the square's northwest corner. Follow this road uphill to the Cathedral. The walk is short but uphill.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus to Victoria Bus Terminal. From the terminal, walk towards the main street and follow signs for the Cittadella. Walk through Independence Square (It-Tokk) and take It-Telgħa tal-Belt uphill to the Cathedral. Bus tickets cost €2 between July and September and €1.50 between October and June for a two-hour ticket.

  • Driving

    From Mġarr Harbour, follow signs to Victoria. Once in Victoria, drive towards the Cittadella. Continue past Independence Square (It-Tokk) to Pjazza Savina, then take the first right and another immediate right onto Triq il-Ħaġġarija / Il-Kastell. This road leads to a hairpin bend beneath the fortifications and the Cathedral Parking lot. Parking fees may apply. As of March 2023, paid parking near the bus terminal costs €2 for the day.

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The Cathedral of the Assumption, also known as the Gozo Cathedral, is the main church on the island of Gozo and a prominent landmark within the Cittadella in Victoria. Its history stretches back millennia, with the site initially serving as a prehistoric settlement and later a Roman temple dedicated to Juno. Following the Christianization of Malta and Gozo, the temple was converted into a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A Byzantine church was likely erected on the site but was destroyed during Arab rule. After the Arabs were expelled, another church was built, with the earliest reference to a parish church within the Cittadella dating back to 1299. This church was expanded over the 15th and 16th centuries but was sacked during the Ottoman invasion of 1551. It was damaged again in the 1693 earthquake, leading to its demolition and the construction of the present cathedral. The foundation stone of the current Baroque-style cathedral was laid on September 21, 1697, and the building was designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, who also designed the Cathedral of Mdina on mainland Malta. The cathedral was inaugurated on August 14, 1711, and dedicated on October 11, 1716. In 1864, it became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gozo. The cathedral's design incorporates a Latin cross ground plan and a façade reminiscent of the Church of the Gesù in Rome. A notable feature is the trompe-l'oeil painting on the ceiling, created in 1739, which gives the illusion of a dome. The cathedral also has a belfry with five bells at the back, an unusual design choice. Visitors can explore the cathedral's interior, admire religious artwork, and experience its peaceful atmosphere. The Cathedral Museum, which reopened in July 2022 after renovations, showcases ecclesiastical silverware, historical artifacts, and a picture gallery. The annual feast of the Assumption of Our Lady is celebrated on August 15 and is a national holiday.

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