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6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 AUGUST 2026 NEWS THE main town of Gozo is not just a hub; it offers an authentic view of life on the island at all hours of the day. If you set out to Victoria early in the morning, there are plen- ty of places to grab a breakfast or at least a coffee. One typical hangout for locals is St Francis Square, where many pick up their morning tea, coffee and Gozitan pastizzi. Under the peaceful gaze of the statue of St. Francis, the bars and cafés in the area are crowded at all hours of the day. If you are looking to settle into a more leisurely break- fast while soaking up the ear- ly morning atmosphere, head to Independence Square or St. George's Square or choose one of the cafés, along Republic Street or in the Bus Terminal area. Once seated, you'll no- tice the gentle morning rhythm of the townspeople moving with purpose on their way to work, while others linger with acquaintances and friends as they go about early-morning errands. Victoria unfolds like a mosa- ic, where the old, almost medi- eval, meets baroque grandeur and further evolves into an urban space with distinct trac- es of British colonialism, even in name. In Victoria, there are different zones to explore, and it is probably best to start out by checking out the old quarter of the town, located around St. George's Basilica. Walking along the narrow streets, mostly free of traffic save for the occasional scoot- er or car, is like stepping into another era, under the silent guardianship of saints in niches along the way. Limestone houses, typical- ly rising from a ground floor to a single upper storey, stand closely huddled together, some bearing names on elaborate ce- ramic plaques. Many of these homes, some dating back over a century, are now being careful- ly restored. Some remain cher- ished family residences passed down through generations, while others have been reima- gined as boutique apartments or holiday accommodation. Behind some of these restored façades lie surprisingly refined interiors—high ceilings, arch- es, ornamental stonework, patterned tiles, and sweeping staircases with wrought iron or stone balustrades, occasionally crowned by painted ceilings. As you wander further, you'll come across quiet alleys, some transformed into small shady gardens with potted plants and shrubs. Do not miss out on stepping into St. George's Basilica. This magnificent church is a high- light of any visit to Victoria. Possibly one of the most ornate churches on the island, its in- terior is an ode to splendour, and just when you think you have seen it all, it reveals yet another surprise - a neo-Byz- antine-style chapel resplendent in gold. Throughout the morning, masses are frequently held, and those seeking more than just sightseeing may wish to join the parishioners, if only for a moment of quiet reflection. If church visits form part of your repertoire of lore, Victo- ria reveals a rich collection, all within walking distance of each other. A short walk can take you to the smaller yet elegant St Francis Church, the histor- ic St Augustine Church with its peaceful cloistered atmos- phere, the nuns' church within the convent on Palm Street, set behind a wrought iron fence, as well as Savina Church and the recently rebuilt St James Church in Independence Square. Roaming through the streets, you will come across a mix of shops, boutiques and even small workshops. Beyond the typical souvenir shops, these narrow streets are also home to various art galleries and studios, where you will regu- larly find both contemporary collections and works featur- ing island scenery in diverse styles. Mingled among the everyday Gozitan shops, such as the old-style corner gro- cery stores, with their displays of seasonal vegetables and, at times, trays of baked auber- gines and onions ready for pre- paring traditional dips. Browse local craft souvenir shops for low-key trinkets or more refined items, such as silver filigree jewellery, or life- style gift ideas, such as printed art from Gozo. Acquiring a statement piece in lace is also possible at some of the souve- nir shops, as is sitting down with a weaver to experience traditional heirloom crafts- manship firsthand. A day of touring Victoria is not complete without having a lunch break at St George's Victoria, Gozo: A day in the