Rotunda of Mosta (Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady)
Valletta, Malta
A grand basilica built between 1833 and 1860 according to the design of French architect Giorgio Grognet de Vassé. The temple's dome, with an internal diameter of 37 meters, is one of the largest unsupported dome structures in Europe. In April 1942, a 500-kilogram German aerial bomb pierced the ceiling during a service attended by 300 faithful and did not explode. A replica of this projectile, along with documentation of the Mosta miracle, is displayed in the church sacristy.
- Visit time: 1 h
- Local name: Rotunda of Mosta
What to look for
- Mighty neoclassical dome modeled after the Roman Pantheon
- Replica of a 500-kilogram aerial bomb in the basilica's sacristy
- Richly gilded interior of the main nave with marble altars
Before you go
- Best time: Before noon outside of service hours
- Crowds: Moderate traffic during the day
- Note: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees required
Good to know
- The original bomb, after being disarmed by British sappers, was sunk in the waters off the coast of Malta.
Sources: mostarotunda.mt, en.wikipedia.org
How long does it take to visit Rotunda of Mosta (Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady)?
Plan about 1 h.
Nearby
- San Anton Gardens — 2.5 km
Things to do in Valletta — all places with visit times
Valletta — 1 day · Valletta — 2 days · Valletta — 3 days
Add this place to a trip notebook in RouteMarket — see it on the map with the rest of your plan and open the route in Google Maps.
Ready-made notebooks for this city
- Valletta active — 2 days
- Valletta solo and photography — 2 days
- Valletta with kids — 2 days
- Valletta with friends — 2 days
- Valletta business trip — 1 day
- Valletta as a couple — 2 days
Other languages: Polski · Deutsch · Français · Español · Italiano · Português · Nederlands · 日本語 · 中文 · 한국어 · العربية