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11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 MARCH 2026 CULTURE THE Citadel in Gozo is one of the island's most significant land- marks. Rising at its heart, it stands watch from above, overlooking the surrounding villages. Explor- ing the Citadel would not be com- plete without a visit to the Cathe- dral. As soon as you walk through the Citadel gate, you are captivated by the majestic view of the expansive staircase leading up to the Cathe- dral door. Built like an anchoring structure to the square, the Cathe- dral, with the sacristy to its left, is flanked further by the Bishop's Palace, which, in turn, faces the Courts of Justice and the Gover- nor's Palace on the other side of the square. The piazza evokes a scene of days gone by, complete with the occasional alley cat that saunters around the buildings, behind and on the ledges of the stone-balconied piazza. This spellbinding view is a de- light during the day, when the blue skies above contrast with the golden tones of the limestone, but later in the day, when shadows be- come more pronounced, a more mysterious vibe descends, bring- ing to life the echoes of past cen- turies. There are many photo op- portunities in this space, especially if one checks out the path atop the bastions, which serves as a balco- ny overlooking the square. The Cathedral of Gozo, dedi- cated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands high at the top of an impressive flight of steps, overlooking the charming old piazza. The current cathedral is not the original church, but it is a Baroque structure, completed in 1711 on the design of the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa, and it was rebuilt after the earthquakes that shook the island. Elegant stonework, Corinthian columns, and sculpted decora- tions contribute to the impressive exterior, which is further comple- mented by two statues of Pope Pi- us IX and Pope John Paul II. This church is the mother church of all other churches in Gozo and, as the seat of the Bish- op of Gozo, it plays a central role in Gozo's religious and cultural life. A Fascinating Interior Setting foot inside is like step- ping into another world. If you're lucky enough to visit during feast days, you will immediately feel the pomp and glory the place gener- ates through elaborate and ornate decorations and vestments. On lesser days, especially during the quiet mornings, the Cathedral ex- udes the stillness of a church that silently holds to its heart many stories. Whatever the case, the spacious nave and the richly decorated al- tars and side chapels, each ded- icated to different saints such as St Ursula, are presented in art as paintings and statues. One such treasure is the reli- quary bust of St Ursula, dating back to 1614. Venerated as a protector of the island, St Ursola has played a significant role in the island's history, especially during times of calamity. Beyond the many prestigious ar- tistic works, one cannot overlook the choir and the titular altarpiece, crowned and framed by a solid sil- ver cornice, and the presbytery or high altar inlaid with malachite, which further enhance the Ca- thedral's artistic and devotional richness. One cannot avoid stepping on the inlaid and ornate marble tombstones. At the Cathedral, these tombstones form an intrigu- ing mosaic, each telling the tale of prominent families, Knights, and clergy through coat of arms, mo- mento mori motifs, inscriptions, and Latin epitaphs. It is not only about wondering at the histori- cal significance of this place, but it can also spark poignant reflec- tions on death and remembrance. A Dome Born of Trompe-l'Œil If the sweeping encounter with the tombstones might be some- what heavy, the moment light- ens as soon as one lifts the gaze upwards. Admiring the elegant trompe-l'œil painted and installed in 1739 by the Sicilian artist An- tonino Emanuele is part of the ex- perience. Considered among the finest in Europe for its unique sense of realism, this masterpiece is an exercise in skilfully overcoming limitations and creating the illu- sion of a dome even when struc- turally none exists. As you scan this ingenious work, look out for the gecko on the windowpane – a playful and intriguing detail, al- most like an Easter egg hidden in plain sight. The Statue of Santa Marija Without a doubt, one of the most beloved treasures at the Ca- thedral is the statue of Santa Mari- ja, in her assumption into heaven. Her gaze, tenderly tilted towards the sky, radiates a serene grace and a quiet majesty, capturing a moment that feels otherworldly, literally suspended between earth and eternity. The statue is venerated in the first chapel of the north aisle. It dates back to 1897, and it was do- nated to the Cathedral Chapter by the Leone Philharmonic Society in 1956. Richly adorned as fits the queen of heaven, with gold- trimmed garments, and precious stones, the statue rests on a silver plinth. During the feast month of Au- gust, the statue is moved to the central nave and displayed be- neath a royal blue, gold-embroi- dered canopy, adding to the splen- dour of the feast. However, the statue is best admired as it leaves the church for the procession on the 15th August, with a blue sky as a background, or when it reenters the Cathedral square amid fire- works, a salute, and the au flam- beau ambience of hundreds of devotees. More Treasures at the Museum A tour of the Gozo Cathedral does not offer the opportunity to visit the church alone. One can visit the Cathedral Museum by entering through the vestry. It is a chance to check out the silver vault, where, as can be expected, features ecclesiastical silverware, reliquaries and other treasures. Different levels of the museum (accessible via lift) include an area of history and memorabilia, and a picture gallery. There is also the Vault, featuring a notable collec- tion of paintings. Venturing up to the Citadel is a must while visiting Gozo, but it is likewise essential to drop by the Cathedral, as it is one sure way to understand the island's many layers of faith, identity, communal life, and artistry. Whether your visit to this sacred space is bathed in light, shroud- ed in shadows or dressed in festa splendour, it always leaves the im- pression of having touched Gozo's soul. Discover the Cathedral at the heart of Gozo's Citadel Discover the Cathedral at the heart of Gozo's Citadel