The Cittadella, sacred art and a music collection of 156 original compositions give Victoria on Gozo a distinctive cultural and historical character. It also has streets that are among Victoria’s oldest, panoramic views across Gozo to Malta, and festivals held on different dates. When planning a stay, you can weigh up local history, art, nature and a specific event as reasons to visit. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay on Gozo, this profile can help you decide whether Victoria suits your interests.
Cittadella: history and panoramic views
Victoria includes the Cittadella, the ancient fortified city at the centre of the island of Gozo. It was already fortified by around 1500 BC, during the Bronze Age. Its open spaces are home to rare plant and animal species. A walk along the fortified walls offers 360-degree panoramic views across Gozo’s hills, valleys, villages and churches, as well as views across the sea to Malta.
At the Cittadella Visitors’ Centre, interactive touchscreens and printed panels explain the Cittadella’s development and its natural, military, ecclesiastical and civil history. This adds historical context to the views along the walls.
Basilica, museum and music
The Basilica of St George houses precious works of sacred art. The present building dates from 1678 and was built on the site of older churches. The Il-Ħaġar Museum houses artistic and historical artefacts from the parish basilica of St George. The basilica and museum collection therefore offer different ways to explore: sacred art in its original setting, and artefacts from the parish basilica in the museum.
The Joseph Vella Music Archive at the Il-Ħaġar Museum contains 156 original compositions. The rooftop bar offers views of the Basilica of St George, the Castello, Victoria’s skyline and Gozo’s rural landscape.
Streets and getting around
The narrow streets around the Basilica of St George are among the oldest in Victoria and are ideal for a walk. A stroll through these streets draws attention to the historic layout of the town, offering a different experience from exploring museum objects or sacred art. The Old Prison is an eight-minute walk from Victoria’s central streets.
For orientation: Victoria’s main car park is immediately south of Republic Street.
Gardens and festival dates
Villa Rundle Gardens has an aviary. The Santa Marija Agricultural Show takes place there every year in mid-August. The festa in honour of Saint George the Martyr is celebrated around the second week of July; his feast day is 23 April. The feast day and the celebration therefore fall at different times. If you are planning your stay around one of the events, check the dates for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Pembroke, Luqa, Dingli, San Ġwann, Nadur, Żejtun, Munxar, Qrendi.
For the main travel overview: Malta.
