Xewkija Rotunda
Gozo's largest church, boasting the 3rd largest unsupported dome globally, offering stunning views and rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Xewkija Rotunda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gozo's largest church, boasting the 3rd largest unsupported dome globally, offering stunning views and rich history.
"A beautiful church with very interesting architecture and stunning views from the top."
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees to enter. Cloths may be provided.
⬆️ Rooftop Elevator Fee
Small fee for adults to access rooftop views. Children free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Dome
Xewkija Rotunda
Marvel at the third largest unsupported dome in the world, a true architectural wonder.
Panoramic Rooftop Views
Bell Tower
Ascend to the bell tower for stunning 360-degree vistas across Gozo and Malta.
Intricate Interiors
Church Nave
Admire the rich marble, detailed sculptures, and striking altar painting within the basilica.
Sculpture Museum
Adjacent to the church
Explore religious artifacts and historical items, remnants from the previous church.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Modestly for Entry
Ascend for Panoramic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees to enter. Cloths may be provided.
⬆️ Rooftop Elevator Fee
Small fee for adults to access rooftop views. Children free.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking directly in front of the church.
💰 Leave an Offering
Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees to enter. Cloths may be provided.
⬆️ Rooftop Elevator Fee
Small fee for adults to access rooftop views. Children free.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking directly in front of the church.
💰 Leave an Offering
Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
📸 Drone Views
Spectacular aerial shots are possible, capturing the dome's grandeur. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Xewkija Rotunda for its stunning architecture, particularly its massive unsupported dome, and the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop. The free entry to the church is a significant plus, though some note that the upper viewing areas could benefit from better maintenance. The modest dress code is a requirement for entry.
"We visited the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist and found it to be a beautiful church with very interesting architecture. The church was renovated in 1951 (if I remember correctly). To enjoy the full panorama, you need to pay €3 per adult for the elevator that takes you up to the 3rd floor. Children go for free. The view from the top is truly stunning. However, the area upstairs is not well maintained, there was some mess, one statue was damaged, and there were bricks and construction materials lying around. Still, it’s a very nice experience for just a small price."
Martina Vodičková
"One of the beautiful basilicas in Gozo. Its large unsupported dome is the main attraction. One has to be modestly dressed to visit the church. I was wearing a sleeveless top so had to cover my arms with a white piece of cloth provided by the church."
Suneela Isaac
"This is the biggest church in Gozo and boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world. It's so beautiful, and 3 weeks ago, the scaffolding got stuck by lighting and 100k of damage. The lift was out of order when we went.
The Xewkija rotunda, dedicated to St. John the Baptist is the largest church in Gozo. The colossal church is an exceedingly large circular structure in white local limestone, its elegant dome supported by eight columns representing the eight beatitudes.
Ix-Xewkija is one of the oldest villages of Gozo and took the status of a parish as early as 1678. Years later, a parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was erected and consecrated in 1755. After the 2nd World War, the parishioners – traditionally known for their building skills and craftsmanship in Maltese stone"
Hug Dealer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Xewkija Rotunda from Victoria, Gozo's capital, by taking a local bus. Several bus routes stop near the church. Alternatively, taxis are readily available, or you can drive and utilize the free parking.
Yes, there is free parking available directly in front of the Xewkija Rotunda, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by car.
If you are staying in Xewkija, walking is a great option. For those in other villages, it's a longer walk, but doable if you enjoy exploring on foot. Public transport or a taxi is recommended for longer distances.
To truly appreciate the Xewkija Rotunda, consider visiting both the interior and taking the elevator to the rooftop for panoramic views. +1
While the main church area is generally accessible, the rooftop access via elevator might have limitations. It's advisable to inquire directly with the church staff for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main church of the Xewkija Rotunda is free. However, there is a small fee for adults to use the elevator to access the rooftop for panoramic views. Children typically enter for free. +1
The opening hours can vary, but generally, the Xewkija Rotunda is open daily. It's recommended to check local listings or inquire upon arrival for the most up-to-date times, especially around religious services.
Yes, a modest dress code is required. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site. White cloths may be available to borrow if needed.
Photography is generally permitted inside the Xewkija Rotunda, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful. Flash photography might be discouraged, especially during services.
The elevator to the rooftop of the Xewkija Rotunda has a small fee for adults, typically around €3. This grants access to the panoramic viewing areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Xewkija Rotunda, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is the largest church in Gozo and boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world. It's a significant landmark with a rich history dating back to 1678. +1
Inside, you'll find beautiful marble floors, intricate sculptures, and a striking altar painting. The sheer scale of the dome is awe-inspiring.
Absolutely! The rooftop offers incredible 360-degree views of Gozo and Malta, providing a unique perspective of the island. +1
The Rotunda hosts religious services and sometimes special events, like feast days. For example, the feast day of St. John the Baptist is celebrated here.
The Sculpture Museum houses artifacts from the previous church that stood on the site, offering a glimpse into the history and religious heritage of Xewkija.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially from a distance, showcases the impressive dome. Inside, focus on the architectural details and the altar. The rooftop offers stunning panoramic shots of the island.
Drone photography is popular and captures the grandeur of the Rotunda from above, highlighting its scale and location. Ensure you comply with local drone regulations.
The golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be harsh, but the interior is well-lit by natural light from the dome.
While generally allowed, avoid using flash photography, especially during services, to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Its massive, unsupported dome is a unique architectural feature. The white limestone exterior and its prominent position on the Gozitan skyline make it highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider drone photography for unique aerial perspectives, but always adhere to local regulations. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Dome
+2The dome's design, supported by eight columns representing the eight beatitudes, is a sight to behold from both the interior and exterior. Visitors often express awe at its sheer scale and the engineering prowess involved in its creation.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the dome's construction is a key highlight. It's a structure that commands attention and is a primary reason many travelers visit the Xewkija Rotunda.
A Glimpse into History and Art
Inside the basilica, visitors can admire rich marble interiors, intricate sculptures, and a striking altar painting. The Sculpture Museum adjacent to the church offers a chance to explore religious artifacts and historical items, providing further context to the site's long-standing significance.
This blend of historical layers and artistic expression makes the Xewkija Rotunda more than just a large church; it's a repository of Gozitan heritage and devotion.
Experiencing the Rooftop Views
While there's a small fee for adults to access this vantage point, many visitors find the breathtaking vistas to be well worth the cost. It provides a unique perspective of the island's landscape, villages, and coastline.
Although some reviews mention that the upper areas might not be perfectly maintained, with occasional construction materials or minor damage, the sheer beauty of the view from the top remains a significant draw for tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit