Nestled in the core of Gozo’s city, amid the oldest quarters of the town known as ‘San Ġorġ tal-Ħaġar’, rises St. George’s Basilica, a church that knows its roots way back to the 5th century AD.  This is unsurprising as St. George has been venerated as Gozo’s patron saint since ancient times.

Originally standing on the site of a pagan temple, the church was rebuilt several times over the centuries, and today’s structure dates back to 1678. The church overlooks one of Gozo’s most picturesque squares, rising out of the skyline amid narrow streets, quaint alleyways, and vernacular architecture and townhouses.  Shops, restaurants, and cafes line the piazza.  Quiet in the early hours of the morning and bustling with activity throughout the rest of the day, St. George’s Square is one of Gozo’s prime locations where you can enjoy the typical ambience of the island.

Once you’re here, make sure that you set foot inside the majestic St. George’s Basilica, which is literally like a treasure chest overflowing with rich and ornate decor and artefacts, and you will immediately understand why it is known as Gozo’s Golden Basilica.

A gateway to reflection: Facade and Main Door

Take a moment and pause at the front door of the basilica, an impressive bronze door adorning the church’s Neo-Classical facade.  This ornate portal, depicting imagery of Christ, commemorates the Great Jubilee of the year 2000.  It is interesting to notice the marble clocks set in the facade. These two clocks do not show traditional time in hours and minutes; instead, they are meant to instigate people to ponder the essence and value of the passing of time.

A golden sanctuary: Main Aisle, Side Chapels and Transept

Once inside the church, you’re enveloped in a golden space encrusted with a fantastic array of fine art, paintings, mosaics and decor. The vaulted ceiling depicting angels and saints is rendered ultra majestic with decorations in pasta and stucco that frame the paintings, the main ones documenting the life of the martyr St. George.  The side chapels of St. George’s Basilica in Gozo are adorned with mosaics, gilded decorations, and paintings depicting saints and biblical scenes. The transept features richly carved altars and houses significant artworks, including the titular statue of St. George slaying the dragon, carved out of a tree trunk.

Of majesty and light:  Main Altar, Tribune and Dome

The eye is drawn towards the main altar in white Carrara marble. Atop the altar rises a canopy in bronze that brings to mind the baldachin of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  The rich golden hues contrast with the black of the canopy, creating a striking contrast with the white marble.   As the eye rises further up, it rests on the dome, which features a series of paintings harmonising with stained-glass windows that capture the magic of the light as it passes through the coloured glass.   Behind the altar, the semicircular apse presents a magnificent painting of St. George’s entry into heaven after his martyrdom. Undoubtedly, one of the most significant treasures of the basilica is the painting The Triumph of St George by the renowned painter Mattia Preti.

A true crown jewel: Neo-Byzantine Chapel

Like an easter egg surprise, the recently inaugurated Neo-Byzantine Adoration chapel is a capsuled jewel in its own right.  The chapel emphasises the connection with Eastern Christian traditions, particularly the veneration of St. George and is adorned with Byzantine-style mosaics, transforming it into a paradise of art.  Prepare to be captivated by a sense that lifts the soul away from the mundane.

For art lovers, St. George’s Basilica is a feast for the visual sense; for the devout and pious, it is a place of prayer and devotion where fine art infuses a depth and dignity in the spiritual that elevates the soul. For those who wander on a voyage of discovery, this place epitomises the island’s rich heritage.

While you’re in the area, make sure you visit Il-Ħaġar | Heart of Gozo Museum and Cultural Centre, that provides an insight on the community’s cultural and artistic heritage.