Make way for Gozo! The island’s capital of Rabat (Victoria) has officially been named European Capital of Culture for 2031, setting the stage for a massive year of culture, creativity and celebration.

The Capital of Culture is an EU initiative that sees selected European cities host year-long programmes of cultural events, aimed at celebrating local identity and strengthening European cultural ties.

Rabat becomes Malta’s second town to be awarded the capital of culture status, after Valletta back in 2018. It was pre-selected back in November, beating out Birgu, and was officially named today following a visit by a European jury.

The town certainly has a strong claim to being a European capital of culture.

Its cultural heritage includes the Cittadella, which has been fortified since the Bronze Age and which includes the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Magazine, the Grain Silos, the Battery and a World War II shelter.

Other major areas of interest include Pjazza Indipendenza, known as It-Tokk, the majestic St George’s Basilica, the Il-Ħaġar Gozo Museum, the Astra and Aurora opera theatres, and the Villa Rundle Gardens.