Hotels in Gozo
What to see by foot: Gozo
Victoria, named after the English monarch Queen Victoria to commemorate her
Silver Jubilee in 1897, has a wealth of sights on display for the visitor and
is easily explored on foot. This commercial hub with its street market, known
as 'it-Tokk', in Independence Square, also contains the Citadel, an impregnable
strategic point which owes its origins to the late mediaeval era. Not to be
missed are the spectacular views across the island from the battlements.
Within the Citadel's walls lies the Cathedral Museum. Designed by Lorenzo Gafa
and built between 1697 and 1711, the museum includes vestments (silver and gold
items used in sacred services). At the time it was constructed money was in
short supply so its dome was never erected. This imperfection was brilliantly
disguised by an Italian painter, Antonio Manuele, who created a magnificent
trompe de l'oeil painting that shows the interior of the dome in full splendour.
At the centre of the parish, surrounded by a maze of charming narrow streets,
is St George's Basilica. Built between 1672 and 1678, the church reflects the
history of Gozo with its objects and signs of former cultures and settlements
dating back to Roman times. All paintings in the dome and St George's Basilica
are the works of Giovanni Battista Conti of Rome. The richly decorated statue
of St George is remarkable and was carved in wood by Paolo Azzopardi in 1841.
Also of interest in the town are: the Archaeological Museum which holds several
objects found at various sites in Gozo; the Natural History Museum; and the
Folklore Museum. There is also a craft centre housed in the old prison buildings
which provides a window on local crafts, both traditional and modern.
Selection of hotels in this region:
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full list of hotels and online booking
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