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The two main reasons for a visit to the Citadel in Victoria
are the views from the ramparts and the Cathedral of the
Assumption.
Although the Citadel dates back to roman
times, nothing from that time remains. Much of the
fortifications were constructed by various Grand Masters
during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time the population
of the Citadel moved to other parts of Gozo, and nowadays it
has no residents. |
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Gozo Cathedral, dedicated to the
Assumption of Our Lady, stands on the site of
previous places of worship known to include a Roman
temple dedicated to Juno. The earthquake of 1693
destroyed much of the previous church. Lorenzo Gafa
designed the cathedral but lack of funds prevented
his signature dome being completed. The Cathedral
was completed in 1711, a few years after Gafa died.
Small matters like that did not
worry the Gozitans though! They commissioned Antonio
Manuele to paint the optical illusion of a dome on
the flat ceiling of the interior. Make sure you
check this out when you visit the Cathedral, the
illusion has been expertly executed, and at first
you will be convinced the dome is there. |
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On the right is a chapel within Gozo cathedral
containing the wooden Sepulkru designed by
Guiseppe Farrugia.
The two statues standing outside the Cathedral
entrance (see the above picture) are of Popes John
Paul II and Pius IX. Clearly they are recent
additions and MEPA (Malta Environment and Planning
Authority) has recently requested the Cathedral to
remove them. It claims the statues are illegal and
spoil this historical site. The Cathedral has
appealed against the decision. Time will tell what
happens to the two statues. |
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