The name Victoria (also known among locals as Rabat) was given to the capital city of the island of Gozo in 1887 to honour the British Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The city is home to the Citadel, the ancient fortified city at the centre of the island, and the surrounding town, old Rabat (meaning suburb in Archaic Maltese).
Recently restored, a visit to the Citadel is an absolute must, with its myriad of historical and cultural gems hidden within its narrow, winding streets. Its towering fortifications allow for fantastic views over the whole of Gozo. Within the historic city walls, you'll find 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 World War II Shelter.
Independence Square lies within the centre of Victoria, and is also known as it-Tokk. In the mornings, an open market brings a lively atmosphere to the square, amongst the various open air cafes where locals and visitors start their days.
Meanwhile, Victoria's main street, Republic Street, is lined with shops, shopping arcades, theatres, cafes and restaurants. The lower part of the street holds the lovely 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. Finally, the main street is also home to Gozo's two theatres - the Astra and Aurora Theatres, in which several music and dance events are held throughout the year.
Don't miss
If you happen to be in Victoria this week, here are a couple of highlights not to be missed!
Norma at Aurora Theatre, Republic Street

Gaulitana: A Festival of Music is an annual springtime international festival which offers a varied programme of events, this weekend falling under OPERA+ Weekend.
Bellini’s masterpiece Norma will be staged on 28th April at the Aurora Theatre. The production features a stellar cast led by Amarilli Nizza, Stefan Pop and Anna Maria Chiuri. Local Conductor Colin Attard will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir. And while the production is in Italian, it will feature subtitles in English. It's also worth noting that Gaulitana is providing a shuttle service for Norma opera patrons, making transportation easy!
Science in the Citadel

Also taking place on 28th April is the second edition of Science in the Citadel: a one-day science extravaganza which aims to provide a fun and stimulating experience for visitors of all ages in order to get people talking about science, engaging with its many strands and appreciating the breadth of research, creativity and innovation taking place on the Maltese islands.
Although modelled on the annual Science in the City held in Valletta every September, the event is set to be "firmly Gozitan in flavour," with displays relevant to local life, including items on the island’s biodiversity, geology, agriculture, seas and skies, as well as items highlighting the science and engineering inherent in the Citadel and its museums.