Victoria is the capital of the second-largest island of Malta, Gozo . Until 1897, the city was called Rabat, and in the year of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria, was renamed in honor of the Queen (recall: the island then belonged to Britain and gained independence only in 1964, while the British Queen was considered the head of the Maltese state until 1979). To the capital of the island are adjacent two towns - Fontana and Kerch.
A bit of history: The Citadel
The first settlement arose in this place in the Bronze Age; Later this place was chosen by the Phoenicians, and even later by the Romans. They, apparently, built a fortification on a hill at an altitude of 150 meters, which was then rebuilt and rebuilt many times (though there is an opinion that the fortress on this site was also in the pre-Roman period). The existing fortress structure, built in the 16th century, is called quite briefly - "Citadel".
The northern part of the fortress was built in the Aragonese period, the southern part was rebuilt at the end of the 16th - early 17th centuries by the Knights of the Ioannites. Since the island in those days was constantly attacked by pirates (Berber and Turkish), it was legislatively enshrined that the entire population of the island should spend the night in the walls of the Citadel.
Today people live in the fortress, however, only a few families. When visiting the Citadel, you, first of all, can admire the stunning panorama of the island of Gozo, as well as the view of Malta (recall, the island shares only 6 kilometers). There are many sights in the citadel, which will be very interesting to visit.
In the square is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is built on the site of an existing church, and that, in turn, is located on the site of the Juno temple. The temple was built in the period from 1697 to 1711 years. It has the shape of a Latin cross and built in the Baroque style, designed by the architect Lorenzo Gaf.
The cathedral is notable for the belfry, equipped with five bells - it is located behind, while two belfries in the front part were traditionally built - and the ceiling painting, which creates an excellent illusion of the dome, although in fact the roof of the cathedral is flat. Another attraction of the cathedral is the statue of the Virgin Mary. At the cathedral there is a museum, in which more than 2,000 exhibits are stored, including paintings and a church archive. The cathedral works all days, except Sundays and holidays, from 10-00 to 16-30, with a break from 13-00 to 13-30.
On the same square there is a bishop's palace, which is distinguished by beautiful carved cornices and many small details adorning the facade, as well as the extraordinary splendor of the interior, and the courthouse. Besides them, the interest of visitors is caused by the armory, the archaeological museum (this is the first museum in Gozo), the museum of natural sciences, the center of folk art, the museum of folklore and the museum "Old prison".
In the folklore museum you can see a completely preserved ancient mill (the millstone was set in motion with the help of donkeys), workshops, objects of peasant life in Gozo.
It is worth visiting and the granaries of the fortress - there are 3 of them, they are made in the form of a bottle and have a total capacity of 100 m3, the biggest is 11 meters deep. At a time when Malta was under British rule, the granaries were converted for storage of water and used as such until 2004.
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Other sights of the city
In addition to the fortress, the city has other attractions, including 2 theaters, a library, a large park and several very beautiful churches. The central square of the city on which the market is located attracts with its beauty.
The Church of St. Francis was erected in 1495; it is located on the square of the same name, which today is almost in the center - and at the time of construction this area was considered a suburb of the city. The structure is struck by a facade decorated with statues and a small balcony, and a beautiful interior with well-preserved antique frescoes and unusually beautiful church utensils. In the square there is also a beautiful fountain, built in the XVII century.
Very beautiful and the basilica of St. George, received epithets of "gold" - for the luxury of interior decoration - and "marble" - for the luxury of the exterior. The altar of the basilica and its arch are made almost entirely of precious metals. The statue of St. George adorned the basilica is made by the famous sculptor Azzopardi; interior decoration is made by no less famous artists - the painting of the dome belongs to the brush Giovanni Conti, other elements of the decoration are made by Mattia Preti, Fortunato Venuti and other famous painters.
Another church that deserves attention is the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, built in 1894. Behind a rather modest facade with narrow windows there is a luxurious decoration, and the church bell tower is visible from virtually anywhere in the city. It is located on the street of Doctor Anton Tabone, near the street of the Republic.
The oldest of all the monasteries on the island is the monastery of St. Augustine, erected in 1453, and reconstructed in 1717.
Holidays in Victoria
The city of St. George is celebrated on a big scale (it is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of July) and the Day of the Assumption of the Virgin, celebrated on August 15 and being a Maltese state holiday. A few days before the celebration of the streets of the city are decorated, every night is arranged with amazing fireworks by its splendor.
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Hotels and restaurants in Victoria
In Victoria, of course, there are hotels, although not too much - most Maltese hotels , hostels and villas on the island are in the resort areas or closer to the port. In principle, the size of the island is such that you can stop anywhere - and without any problems get to Victoria, as all roads of the island lead here.
Hotels in the city are within walking distance of attractions - which is not strange, given the size of Victoria. In the center is 3 * hotel Downtown Hotel with 40 rooms. Gozo Village Holidays is a hotel in the center for lovers of "rural holidays" with an outdoor pool. Other 3 * hotels - Gozo Farmhouse and Gozo Houses of Character (they are located near the Downtown Hotel).
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the city, so after a visit to the sights you can have a delicious lunch. The restaurant of Maltese cuisine It-Tokk, Ta Ricardu, located directly in the Citadel, where you can order a traditional Maltese plate and a rabbit in Maltese (with spaghetti or with potatoes) deserves special attention. Many restaurants are located around the main square of the city. Everywhere you will enjoy the size of portions and amazing taste of food.
Transport connection
In Victoria there is a bus terminal, from which you can reach any other town on the island.