The Rotunda (or Church of St. Mary) is a magnificent domed church in Mosta, central Malta.
History of Mosta Rotunda
Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and built between the 1830s and 1860s, the Rotunda was designed by Maltese architect Giorgio de Vasse. In a rather revolutionary move, the church was built over and around the existing one, which was then demolished.
In 1942 during World War II, the church took a direct hit from a German bomb while more than 300 people were congregated inside for Mass. The bomb pierced the dome and fell to the ground with a bounce, but failed to explode.
The army took the bomb outside and diffused it, and no one was hurt. The event has become legendary, with many regarding it as a miracle. A replica of the 200kg bomb can be seen in the sacristy.
What to See at Mosta Rotunda
The massive dome of the Rotunda (40 meters in diameter) is claimed to be the third-largest church dome in Europe - superseded only by St Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Its design is closely based on the dome of the Pantheon in Rome.
Quick Facts on Mosta Rotunda
|Names:||Church of the Assumption of Our Lady · Mosta Dome · Mosta Rotunda · Rotunda of Mosta · Rotunda of St Marija Assunta|
|Categories:||churches; round buildings; rotundas|
|Visitor and Contact Information|
|Coordinates:||35.910117° N, 14.425993° E|
|Lodging:||View hotels near Mosta Rotunda|
- St. Mary's Church (Mosta Rotunda) - Visit Malta
- Photos of Mosta Rotunda - here on Sacred Destinations
Map of Mosta Rotunda
Below is a location map and aerial view of Mosta Rotunda. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.