Gozo Cathedral
The Baroque cathedral at the heart of the Citadel and the mother church of the Diocese of Gozo.
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
Cathedral Square
The Citadel
Victoria, Gozo
VCT 1820, Malta
The Cathedral stands at the heart of the Cittadella, above Victoria. It is surrounded by the historic fortifications, museums and narrow streets of the fortified city.
Coordinates:
36.046336, 14.239875
Photographs
History
Built between 1697 and 1711 to designs by Lorenzo Gafà, the cathedral stands on the site of an earlier church and is built in local limestone. Its famous 1739 trompe-l'œil ceiling creates the illusion of a dome even though the roof is flat.
What to look for
The cathedral is one of the defining buildings inside the Citadel. Its position beside Cathedral Square makes it an essential stop when exploring Gozo's fortified capital.
Visiting the church
The interior contains important paintings, marble work and the statue of the Assumption made in Rome in 1897. The feast of Santa Marija is celebrated on 15 August.
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 Gozo Cathedral?
Victoria / The Citadel.
Who is the church dedicated to?
Assumption 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.