Ir-Rabat (Victoria) is the capital city of the island of Gozo. The name Victoria was given to the town in 1887 in honour of the famous British Queen’s Golden Jubilee. At the same time, the town was raised to the status of a city becoming officially known as Citta’ ir-Rabat (Victoria).
Ir-Rabat (Victoria) embraces both the Citadel, the ancient fortified city at the centre of the Island, and the surrounding town old Rabat (meaning suburb in Arabic and Archaic Maltese) and its modern additions.
There are many places of historical and cultural interest in ir-Rabat (Victoria). A visit to the Citadel is a must. Its towering fortifications afford superb views over the whole Island and within the Citadel are many of the main historical sites of ir-Rabat (Victoria) including The Interpretation Centre, The Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Magazine, the Grain Silos, the Battery and the World War II Shelter.
The centre of ir-Rabat (Victoria) is Pjazza Indipendenza (Independence Square), known as it-Tokk. The square is dominated by the Banca Giuratale, built between 1733 and 1738, formerly the seat of the municipal government of Gozo and presently of the ir-Rabat (Victoria) Local Council. The square is filled with numerous open-air cafes. In the mornings, an open market takes place at Savina Square, just a short walk up from It-Tokk.
The magnificent St.George’s Basilica stands in a smaller square just behind It-Tokk in the heart of the old town. The web of narrow streets around St. George’s are the oldest in town and well worth a walk around. Here you can also find Il-Haġar Museum, a cultural center featuring exhibits on Gozo's religious and cultural heritage, including artifacts from St. George's Basilica and the Joseph Vella Music Archive. It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events, making it a lively spot for both locals and visitors.
Two main feasts are celebrated in ir-Rabat (Victoria): St. George's during the week preceding the third Sunday of July, and the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady during the week preceding August 15th.
In Triq ir-Repubblika (Republic Street), ir-Rabat (Victoria)’s main street, there are all kinds of shops, a couple of shopping arcades, pharmacies, banks, the Police Headquarters, and the Bishop’s Chancery, as well as La Stella and Leone Band Clubs in their respective homes, the Astra and Aurora opera theatres. In lower Republic Street (a little further from It-Tokk) is Villa Rundle Public Gardens, laid out by the British in 1910 and recently refurbished. With a variety of local and imported trees and a cooling fountain, the gardens are an oasis of peace.
Just off Republic Street to the south is Ir-Rabat (Victoria)’s main car park and the Bus Terminus. Other smaller parking areas can be found in St George’s Square, Savina Square, St Francis Square and St Augustine Square.