The town of Victoria is known locally as Ir‑Rabat.
When planning a trip to Europe, it’s hard to complain about a lack of places with outstanding culture; however, if you want to discover a new location before crowds of tourists flood in, it’s worth paying attention to a small Mediterranean city.
According to TimeOut, it’s worth paying attention to Victoria – a city on Gozo – the smaller and more peaceful of Malta’s two main islands. It is separated from the main island by only a short ferry crossing. Even tourists who have visited Malta more than once may know Victoria only as a place for a three‑hour stopover: to have lunch, take photos of the medieval Citadel, and tick off Gozo on their list of places to visit in a single day.
However, the authors note, everything may soon change – Victoria has officially been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2031.
How to choose a European Capital of Culture
Obtaining this status is not easy at all. The selection process lasts about nine months and resembles a kind of elimination tournament. The decision is made by an independent commission consisting of EU experts and representatives of national authorities.
First, candidate cities submit initial applications to be included in the shortlist. Then they must prepare what is known as an “application” – a detailed plan that includes a personal presentation to the commission. Candidates must prove that they have a long‑term cultural strategy, European significance, and the necessary infrastructure to implement a large‑scale programme.
After the final match in Valletta, Victoria emerged victorious.
“In Malta, the competition for the title began after the submission of applications opened in October 2024. Two cities participated in the contest: Victoria and Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, one of the historical Three Cities located across the harbour from Valletta,” the article states.
Birgu was eliminated at the preliminary selection stage in November 2025, after which Victoria remained the only Maltese candidate in the final round. This is only the second time a city in Malta has received the title of European Capital of Culture. The first was Valletta, which held this title in 2018.
Victoria won thanks to a concept called “Island of Islands”, which aims to show Gozo not as an isolated piece of land in the middle of the sea, but as a closely connected network of local communities, traditions and cultural ties.
According to European Commissioner for Culture Glenn Michalkeff, the project will explore the island through three Mediterranean images – the coast, salt, and waves. And the head of the Victoria 2001 Foundation, Samuel Azzopardi, described the future cultural transformation of the city in three words: slowness, care, and courage.
The aim is to emphasize the unhurried and more conscious rhythm of life, which is already considered one of the distinctive features of Gozo, while at the same time giving it greater artistic boldness.
What to see in Victoria
Located almost at the geographical center of Gozo, the island’s capital has two names. The city received the name Victoria in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. However, the locals still call it Ir‑Rabat.
The main attraction of the city is the Citadel – a fortified medieval city on top of a hill. It resembles the set for a large‑scale fantasy film and offers a panoramic view of almost the entire island.
Right next to the ancient fortress walls lies a bustling modern city. There are crowded squares, small independent shops, open‑air cafes, and a central bus station, to which all the island’s roads ultimately lead.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.