St George's Basilica: The Marble Heart of Gozo

St George's Basilica, also known as the Basilica and Collegiate Parish Church of Saint George, stands proudly in the center of Victoria (also called Rabat), the capital of Gozo. Surrounded by a charming maze of narrow streets, this historic Baroque church is one of Gozo's most important architectural and artistic landmarks.The present-day basilica was constructed between 1672 and 1678, though the parish itself dates back to medieval times. Consecrated in 1755, the church was granted the title of Basilica in 1958. In 1976, it was further designated an Archpresbyteral and Collegiate Church. Often called the "Marble Basilica," its interior is entirely covered in marble. The basilica is adorned with paintings by Giovanni Battista Conti, and boasts a wooden statue of St George sculpted in 1838 by Pawlu Azzopardi. Other artists whose work is displayed include Mattia Preti, Giuseppe Cali, and Francesco Zahra.Inside, visitors can admire the bronze and gold-gilded canopy over the high altar. The basilica also houses a museum showcasing its rich history and artistic heritage. The feast of St George is celebrated with great enthusiasm around the second week of July.