ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH (ROTUNDA)

It is the main interest of the village. It is the largest church in Gozo and has a dome 75 m high, with an external diameter of 28 m and weighing 4,500 tons. The Gozitans, very proud of their dome, wanted it to compete with that of Mosta. Although slightly smaller in volume, it is truly imposing, and its considerable height makes it the^third largest unsupported dome in the world. Seen up close, this contemporary building (1951-1971), built in a classical style and to which a flowered alley leads, is even more impressive. The architect Joseph D'Amato and the chief mason Joseph Vella, who supervised the construction of the dome, both Maltese, were inspired by the famous Basilica of Santa Maria del Salute in Venice. Its construction was very expensive, and the villagers themselves emptied their woolen stockings to give themselves this fantasy destined to surpass the Maltese monuments. You will also notice the gigantic door of the building, which measures 10m by 5m. The floor is made of polished Carrara marble and the main altar is also carved in precious marble. In an interior museum, the church houses interesting sculptures from a former chapel. They were made by prisoner artists who, benefiting from immunity on the island of Gozo, used to thank the villagers with some original works. From the museum, an elevator allows access to the dome to enjoy panoramic views of Gozo.