Victoria, Gozo facts for kids
Victoria (also known as Il-Belt Victoria in Maltese, which means "the city Victoria") is the capital city of Gozo. Gozo is the second largest island in Malta. People who live there often call it Rabat, which is the name of the old part of the city. It also has a special title: Città Victoria. As of March 2014, about 6,901 people live in Victoria.
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Victoria: Gozo's Capital City
Victoria is the heart of Gozo. It is a busy city where many people live and work. The city is built around a very old fortress called the Cittadella. This fortress sits on a hill and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. Victoria is important for shopping, government, and culture on Gozo.
What's in a Name?
The city was originally known as Rabat. This name comes from an Arabic word meaning "suburb" or "fortified place." In 1887, the British Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee. This marked 50 years since she became queen. To honor her, the city was given the new name Victoria. It also received the title "Città Victoria," which means "City Victoria."
Exploring Victoria
Victoria offers many interesting places to visit. The old part of the city, Rabat, has narrow streets and historic buildings. You can find many shops, cafes, and restaurants here. It's a great place to walk around and explore.
The Cittadella: A Historic Fortress
The Cittadella is the most famous landmark in Victoria. It is a very old fortified city within the city. People have lived inside its walls since the Bronze Age. The Cittadella was built to protect the people of Gozo from attacks. Inside, you can find the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption. There are also museums and old prisons to explore. From the top of the Cittadella, you get amazing views of the whole island.
Important Buildings and Churches
Victoria has several important buildings. The Law Courts are located here, where legal matters are handled. The city also has many beautiful churches. Besides the Cathedral inside the Cittadella, there is also Saint George's Basilica. This church is known for its stunning interior.
Villa Rundle Gardens
Near the city center, you can find the Villa Rundle Gardens. These gardens are a peaceful place to relax. They have many different plants and trees. There are also statues and fountains. It's a nice spot for families to enjoy.
History of Victoria
The area where Victoria stands has been important for thousands of years. People lived on the hill of the Cittadella even before written history. The Phoenicians and later the Romans used the area. During the time of the Knights of Malta, the Cittadella was strengthened. It protected the islanders from pirate raids and other invasions. Over time, the city grew outside the walls of the Cittadella. It became the main center of Gozo.
Images for kids
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The New Zealand Grog Shop, Piazza San Francesco, Victoria (Rabato), island of Gozo, c.1916. This shop likely served many New Zealand soldiers stationed on Gozo.
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The Cittadella
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Church of Ta' Savina in Victoria.
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Busts of de Soldanis and Laurent Ropa at Villa Rundle
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The interior of the Cathedral of Assumption inside the Cittadella in Victoria.
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The exterior of the Cathedral of Assumption.
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Saint George's Basilica.
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Interior of St George's Basilica
See also
In Spanish: Victoria (Malta) para niños
