Visiting Victoria

Victoria is not just the geographic heart of Gozo, it is also the centre of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops from sun rise to sun set with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere in the evenings. It is a great place to watch the Islanders go about their day from the cafes dotted around the squares. Victoria is also the administrative centre, which includes the main schools, the hospital and the law courts. Its main square is Pjazza Indipendenza, popularly known as it-Tokk. The main building on the square is the Banca Giuratale, built between1733-38, formerly the seat of the municipal government of Gozo and presently of the Victoria Local council. An open market is held every morning in this square and several open air cafes are also found here. Browse around Victoria's narrow winding streets and you'll find everything from delicious fresh produce, cheeses and wines, to antiques, craft goods, fishing nets and knitwear. The town also has a thriving cultural life all of its own, with some surprising attractions ranging from opera to horse races in the main street on festa days.