Rotunda St. John Baptist Church — Attraction in Xewkija

We really felt terrible in Malta in a few places and felt it is because of our ethnicity. But i thought this would not happen inside a “church”. Terrible behaviour by the old lady. So here is what happened: it was a group jeep trip so included in our itenary and we were only given 15 mins for church visit. as soon as we entered old lady informed it costs 3 euros to go up because of electricity cost and every one in our group denied going up and got scattered.there were hardly 10 people in that church at that time. So we went to second row sat there for about 7-8 mins and prayed (we are Not Christians) (first 2 mins gone in ladies explanation) so we had already past 10 mins and we had last 5 mins left. Then we started going round the main hall and then entered museum room spent about 2 minutes as we had to rush back to our jeep. We were about to exit and the old lady stopped us and questioned us 3 times if we really did not use the lift to go up? I kept saying we were not even in the museum for long in fact were sitting in the second row and praying but she kept questioning only us and commented ‘it took long enough inside the museum’, such doubtful thought because of our skin colour ? Well other white people in our group actually spent the same amount of time and more time in museum but she never questioned them. Jesus!! What age is Malta in? If you suspect so much, put a board in front that only white people are allowed ! That is better than allowing inside mistreating and hurting people. Really saddened that this happened on the church. Or better sit near the lift since that is the only that costs and you will know who is taking lift, isn’t that a simple solution ? Church committee please use some basic logic!

Also I have visited many churches in Europe and this had nothing special it was boring.

For GROUP TOUR agencies/ GUIDES don’t take brown people inside and...

This is the biggest church in Gozo and boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world. It's so beautiful, and 3 weeks ago, the scaffolding got stuck by lighting and 100k of damage. The lift was out of order when we went.

The Xewkija rotunda, dedicated to St. John the Baptist is the largest church in Gozo. The colossal church is an exceedingly large circular structure in white local limestone, its elegant dome supported by eight columns representing the eight beatitudes.

Ix-Xewkija is one of the oldest villages of Gozo and took the status of a parish as early as 1678. Years later, a parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was erected and consecrated in 1755. After the 2nd World War, the parishioners – traditionally known for their building skills and craftsmanship in...

There are many impressive churches in Malta and Gozo; this one is truly spectacular. The foundation stone was placed in 1952, consecrated, and officially opened in 1978. Measuring 89 feet, the dome is the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. It is 279 feet high and weighs an astonishing 45,000 tons. It was built and paid for by the villagers of Xewkija, its home. It is the largest church on Gozo and is a landmark you can see from the north side of Malta. You are allowed, for a very small fee, to ride up to the walkway around the dome. There, you have a breathtaking view of all of Gozo and the islands of Comino and Malta. If you like architecture, photography, or religious experiences, this is a must see. It is free to...