St George's Basilica

The parish originated in Byzantine times, in the 4th century and is situated right in the middle of Gozo's capital, Rabat (also known as Victoria), this Basilica is surrounded by a maze of charming, old narrow streets and alleys. It is one of the most architecturally and artistically important churches in Gozo.

The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1672 and was consecrated in 1755. In 1958, the church was given the title of Basilica, and in 1976 it became an Archpresbyteral and Collegiate Church aggregated to the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint John Lateran of Rome.

Referred to as the Marble Basilica, it is entirely covered in marble, with an impressive bronze and gold-gilded canopy over the high altar. The paintings on the ceiling and the dome are by Giovanni Battista Conti of Rome. However, the main attraction is a wood statue of St George, sculpted by Pawlu Azzopardi in 1838.

The Basilica boasts artwork from several other artists, such as Mattia Preti, Giuseppe Cali, and Fortunato Venuti, among others.