The Basilica of St. George in Gozo

Abstract

The present basilica dedicated to St. George of Lydda in Gozo's Rabat is the third to be built on the site since the 15th century. An earlier one, though not recorded, is often referred to in old medieval manuscripts as ecclesiae sancti Georgii Parrochiale Rabbati and was probably the centre of liturgical worship for the Christians of the island's only urbanised area during the Early Middle Ages. Gozo's ancient city, called by the Romans Gaulos Oppidum, covered a very small area in the centre of the island. Its walls stretched along the ħaġġarija on the north (today covered by part of Għedrin Street, Ditch Street and upper Republic Street) along Palm Street on the east along Vajringa Street on the south and along Library Street as far as Għedrin on the west. The main entrance to the city abutted on the eastern wall, still called putirjal (maingate), but other entrances were also available on the south and on the west. Remains of these walls were still visible in the early 18th century and were recorded by Can. G. P. Agius de Soldanis and reproduced by the Order's military engineer Valperga in his designs for the fortification of the new city.