Citta Vittoria or Victoria is the capital city of the island of Gozo of the Maltese archipelago. Formerly called Rabat, the city obtained its name in 1887 as part of England’s Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
Victoria, like the Rabat on the island of Malta, is situated beneath its protective Citadel. The city is believed to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Because of this belief, there are dozens of places of interest throughout the city that pertains to its rich and centuries-old history.
The crossroads of Triq Putirjal (Main Gate Street) has three elegant stone crosses that mark the limits of the old city walls when the Romans fortified the city. The Arabs believed to have occupied the higher ground of the island because it was easier to defend that they neglected the suburbs. And during the Middle Ages, both the Citadel and the suburb were thriving communities.
The citadels that dominate Victoria today date back to the 17th century and are from the original plans of city architect Francisco Laparelli. Laparelli also designed the city of Valletta. Walk around the entire Citadel to enjoy a full 360 view of the entire Gozo.
The Victoria Cathedral Square is a 17th century palace of the governors whose architecture follows that of Baroque or Rococo. On the Square’s right is the Chapter’s Hall, which was built in 1899. The Citadel Ramparts are a definite must-see for tourists because of its stunning view of the valleys and hills, and even Malta in the background.
The Folklore Museum in Victoria is one of the sites a tourist should see and visit while in Malta. The Museum, which is part of the Victoria Citadel, preserves the city’s traditional, country life. At the museum’s ground floor, exhibits on agriculture and stone masonry can be found. The museum is designed like a collection of apartment-like houses whose architecture has been preserved. It also has a collection of implements, such as plows, sickles, and grinding mills, and carpentry tools. The museum’s first floors display clothing and leisure activities and skills, as well as the implements that are necessary for those types of activities. The mezzanine floors, on the other hand, centers on trades and domestic skills like lace making.
Some other must-see sites while you’re on your vacation to Victoria are the Banca Guiratale, Basilica of St. George, Cathedral of Assumption, Citadel, Cathedral Museum, and Rundle Gardens.
There are five feasts in Victoria. The two main feasts are the Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the Feast of St. George. The Cathedral of the Assumption which is located at the center of the Citadel is dedicated for the Feast of the Assumption, while the Basilica of St. George located at the heart of Victoria is dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of the island of Gozo.