church of st. john the baptist

I'm a sucker for tower views wherever I go and since I'm a local (Gozitan) I had to go up this tower of course! It's a measly 2e and worth every cent! You see all of Gozo around you!The church has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world and a curious story surrounds the small chapel inside which the local proud priest will be more than willing to narrate for you.

This is a lovely church in a great location. It has marvelous architectural features both inside and outside the church. The pictures inside were of outstanding quality. As we were on a guided tour I would have liked to have had a bit more time to look around this church.

This is a Church about the Knights of Malta & St. John the Baptist. It is sumptuously decorated and filled with history. I have never seen anywhere to compare.

It is definitely worth getting off the bus on the way to Victoria to view this church. It looks brand new and given that it wasn't finished until 1971, it is no wonder it shines. However, the 'new construction' envelopes a much older (17th century) baroque church, which includes sculptures, altars and tombs. We were welcomed by a very friendly priest who proudly showed us around and willingly answered questions before suggesting we take the lift to the base of the dome. Once up in the dome, the views of Gozo are spectacular and you can climb the staircase to the bell tower for an even better view - but do remember that the bells chime and they are loud! The interior of the new church under the dome is bright and airy with many columns supporting the huge dome. The church provides wraps for people who have arrived in too skimpy attire, to cover up, however my wife and I were in tailored shorts/t shirts and the priest advised that we didn't need to cover up. If you have to wait for a bus, there are a couple of little bars and a mini supermarket opposite the church where you can get refreshments and watch the world go by in peace and quiet! The church closes around 13:00 and reopens around 15:00. There was no charge but there was a donation box. After your visit why not have a cool drink at the small bar to the left (with your back to the church) of the main church entrance

The Rotunda of St. John the Baptist is located in Xewkija and have one of the largest dome in the world. This church must be a stop for everyone who are coming in Gozo, mainly for the great views from the bell tower (is only 2 Euros to go up).

When I visited with my partner we were met by a priest who took the time to welcome us and explain in detail the history of the church. And fantastic views all around.

We were driving back to the ferry from Gozo back to Malta. This church can bad seen for miles, if is huge and swamps the surrounding buildings. Once inside we were suprised at how bright it was, having been inside other Gozitian churches which were very dark. We spotted the chance to go to the roof level below the dome by lift. A very nice priest greeted us and blessed us(afterwards). We had stunning 360 degree views of Gozo.

A large Beautiful church.The best thing about this place is the amazing views you can experience by paying two euros to travel up a lift. Make sure you climb the stairs to the bell tower for even more stunning views. Ensure this isn't on the quarter hour as you may be deafened (even if this occurs atleast you'll be enjoying a spectacular view)

It is a part of the tour, organized in Malta and Nice and refurbished church,In front you can have a snack. parking free

This church can be seen from all over the island and is worth a visit. Absolutely stunning inside and you can even take a lift to the top

Slightly off the beaten track but easy enough to get to as you can see it from miles away. We didn't get the chance to go inside but walked around the outside.Definitely worth a visit

No one should miss visiting this Marvellous treasure build and beautifully adorned by the KNIGHTS OF MALTA. It really looks normal on the front facade!! Going inside and visiting the Museum is A MUST. All visitors leave this Cathedral AMAZED with all they see. DO NOT MISS.

The Church of St John the Baptist in Xewkija is a truly amazing building that can be seen from afar and from various places if you are touring around the island becuause of its incredible size. It is well worth spending some time going to visit it. Any visit here enables you to appreciate a fine Church with its lovely ecclesiastical atmosphere and features, but also to appreciate the amazing building and its surroundings from an architectural point of view. It is the largest of the many churches in Gozo, and has the third largest unsupported dome in the world. This dome is some 75 metres high and the scale of it on such a small island has to be seen to be believed. Made from local limestone, building of this church started in the 1950s (on the site of an earlier one) but it was only consecrated in 1978. If every person in Xewkija was inside, there would still be space to spare. For those who do not suffer from vertigo, a trip to the top is a must as it affords absolutely spectacular views over the whole island and beyond.

We were met by a lovely chap who told us a all about the church, and the original church of the sculpture which was in a side chapel (don't miss this if you visit, it is beautiful). The church itself is a lovely bright open joyful place, the interior reminded me a lot of Ta Pinu. However it is the roof and bell tower which the most spectacular things about this church. A lift takes you up to the roof and that is when the vertigo sets in. The views across the island, and across to Comino and Malta are wonderful (I'm running out of superlatives here). If you have visited the Citadel and gazed across the island you will be blown away by the expanse (quite literally - it was a windy day when we visited). The circuit you make around the rotunda takes you into little enclosed spaces then presents vistas to you in a natural, well thought out way. However during your walk around the dome you are still aware that this is a place of worship, not simply a tourist attraction, which I thought was important. There is a little bridge that connects the main rotunda with the bell tower, and some steps up to the bells themselves, although we didn't explore this part as I had a severe attack of vertigo (who knew I had vertigo?!) when crossing over the path - I nearly didn't make it back again. My husband pointed out to me a ladder propped up on tops of one of the walls against the dome, where someone was obviously changing the bulbs that decorate the church - this nearly had me on the floor! Whilst I would caution someone who does have a fear of heights, I really enjoyed it despite being terrified at points and having legs like jelly at others. So I would recommend you go up.

This is a fascinating, huge, church which can be seen for miles around. Capable of accommodating a congregation far bigger than the population of the village in which it is situated, it is very well worth a visit.