Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the capital of Gozo. Gozo is 1/3 the size of Malta with 1/10 the population. A quarter of Gozitans live in Victoria (pop. 7000).
Stop at the Visit Gozo office. Pick up a walking tour brochure and start your tour next door at St. James Church.
St. James Church sits in Pjazza Indipendenza, Victoria's main square. The square is also known as Ik Tokk (the meeting place). The square hosts a daily market from 6:30am-2pm.
The semicircular building across from St. James Church is the Banca Giuratale, the city hall of Victoria. It was built in the 18th century as the seat of the Università of Gozo, and over the years it housed several government departments and also served as a police station and a post office. Today, it hosts exhibitions.
St. George Basilica sits in Pjazza San Gorg. Construction began in 1672. It has been enlarged and embellished several times and became a minor Basilica in 1958. The statue of St. George outside the church was being refurbished so it wasn't visible. Inside, there is a painting of St. George slaying the dragon.
Nearby, you'll find a niche with the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto.
The Old Town, known as Il Borgo, is a maze of narrow, meandering alleys.
You'll come across several niches with statues.
Cute signs--this one with a mouse.
The town is adorable.
The Crossroads of Gozo--marked by a stone cross.
Horse water trough next to the cross.
Il Barrakka--an enclosed platform where the governor of Gozo distributes the prize for the horse race, held annually on August 15.
La Stella Band Club and Teatru Astra offers operas and musicals.
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