St George's Basilica
A richly decorated Baroque basilica in the oldest part of Victoria, often called Gozo's Marble Basilica.
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 San Ġorġ
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo
VCT 1200, Malta
The basilica stands in the heart of Victoria's old town, just behind It-Tokk and within walking distance of the Citadel.
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History
The parish has medieval origins dating to before 1450. The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1672 and it was consecrated in 1755. It became a basilica in 1958.
What to look for
The church is famous for its marble interior, gilded canopy and works by artists including Mattia Preti, Giuseppe Cali, Michele Busuttil and Stefano Erardi.
Visiting the church
The wooden statue of St George, made by Pawlu Azzopardi in 1838, was the first titular statue acquired by a parish church in Gozo. The festa is celebrated in July.
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 St George's Basilica?
Victoria / Ir-Rabat.
Who is the church dedicated to?
St George the Martyr.
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.