Church of the Visitation of Our Lady
A distinguished Baroque parish church at the heart of Għarb, one of Gozo's most architecturally striking village centres.
Gozo's churches are closely tied to the island's villages, history, art and community traditions. This page records the church as a heritage place as well as a living place of worship.
At a glance
Location
Pjazza Żjara tal-Madonna
Għarb, Gozo
Malta
The Basilica of the Visitation stands at the centre of Għarb, overlooking the village square. Its prominent Baroque façade and twin towers make it one of the most distinctive churches in western Gozo.
Coordinates:
36.060066, 14.208906
Photographs
>History
The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1699 and the new church was completed and consecrated in the eighteenth century. The design is associated with Ġużeppi Azzopardo and is admired for its concave façade and balanced twin towers.
What to look for
The church replaced the smaller Taż-Żejt chapel as the parish church. Its Baroque interior and stonework are closely connected with the traditional architecture of Għarb.
Visiting the church
The church square is a good base for visiting Ta' Pinu, San Dimitri, Ta' Dbieġi and the western countryside.
As with all active places of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and avoid disturbing services, prayer or local celebrations. Opening arrangements can vary, so check locally if you need guaranteed access.
Churches and village life
For centuries, the parish church has been one of the main landmarks of a Gozitan village. The church square, festa traditions, band clubs and surrounding streets often form the social heart of the community.
Explore the Gozo villages to see how this church fits into its wider village landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Church of the Visitation of Our Lady?
Għarb.
Who is the church dedicated to?
Visitation of Our Lady.
Is the church a historic building?
Yes. It forms part of Gozo's architectural and religious heritage, with its history closely connected to the development of the surrounding village.
Can visitors enter?
The church is an active place of worship. Access is generally subject to religious services and local arrangements, so visitors should be respectful and check locally when necessary.
Explore more Gozo churches
Continue through the e-Malta collection of important churches and religious sites.