The Church of St John the Baptist, more commonly referred to as Rotunda of Xewkija, is the largest church on the island of Gozo and one of the largest in the whole of Malta.
It is located in a small town with low houses, which makes its size stand out even more. The rotunda dates back to the 2nd century and was completed in 1978 on the site of the original 17th century church, the remains of which are preserved in a small museum adjacent to the rotunda.
Height and dimensions of the church
The main landmark of the rotunda is the huge dome with a diameter of 27 metres, supported by 8 massive columns.
The dome rises to a height of 75 metres, making it the tallest church in Malta and the 3rd tallest building in the State of Malta overall.
The bell tower offers panoramic views of the whole island of Gozo, and you can take the elevator up to the top.
Entrance fees and opening hours
Opening hours for tourists are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission to the church itself is free. You can pay 3 eur to enter the 75-metre high dome.
How to get there
The Rotunda stands right in the centre of the village of Xewkija. Parking around town is free on all streets and in the square directly in front of the church. However, it can take long minutes to find a free space.
Bus line 323 stops directly in front of the church, connecting Victoria and Mgarr (boat dock to Malta) once an hour.
The best views of the rotunda
The church is a natural landmark throughout the eastern part of Gozo and can therefore be seen from many places.
For the best views of the Xewkija Rotunda, take a drive.
- The view from the cemetery in Xaghra (location at Google.com/maps)
- View from the street "Triq ta Skerla" in Ta'Sannat (location at Google.com/maps)
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Gozo.
