Rotunda of Mosta, Mosta, Malta

The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta, is the third largest unsupported dome in the world and the third largest in Europe.

Built in the 19th century on the site of a previous church, it was designed by the Maltese architect Giorgio Grognet de Vassé. Its dome is among the largest in the world, with an internal diameter of 37.2 metres. the rotunda walls are 9.1 metres thick (necessary to support the weight of the dome). The rotunda dome is the third-largest church dome in Europe and the ninth largest in the world.

Grongnet's plans were based on the Pantheon in Rome. Construction began in May 1833 and was completed in the 1860s. The original church was left in place while the Rotunda was built around it, allowing the local people to have a place of worship while the new church was being built. The church was officially consecrated on the 15 of October 1871.

On April 9, 1942, during an World War II air-raid, a 500 kg Luftwaffe bomb pierced the dome and fell among a congregation of more than 300 people awaiting early evening mass. It did not explode. The same type of bomb as pierced the dome is now on display (the original was dumped at sea) at the back of the church in the Sacristy.

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User Reviews

Eileen Elliott (3 years ago)
Lovely church well worth a visit, they were getting ready for the Christmas masses that would be taking place. I'm sure the church would look amazing once the flowers and lamps had all been put into place. It felt like a lot of community spirt amongst the local people. I would highly recommend a visit.

Ayesha Johnson (3 years ago)
Such a beautiful and humbling experience. To be present where a miracle happened is spectacular (read up why this place is miraculous if you don’t already know). Welcoming, friendly and informative staff. WWII bunker (included when you pay only €5!) was very interesting, so much history to read and understand here. Wow!

Sasha Taylor (3 years ago)
This is a spectacular place. The fee is about right and you can spend sometime in the venue to take in the views - from the top platform, and the stunning artwork inside. The negatives for me was that there was a lot of restoration work being done so one section closed and others partially covered up (this should have been mentioned / reflected in ticket price).

Nijolė Vrubliauskienė (3 years ago)
An absolutely amazing Dome with a possibility to find out how it keeps unsupported, to watch an info film, a great view from the top, fantastic stairs to get there. Plus hear a story of the bomb that fell in through the roof, but did not explode and see its replica - no doubt it was all worth the time.

Derrick Lee (3 years ago)
I just visited the church by myself it cost 3 euro but there are guided tours available. This church is famous because it was hit with a bomb that came through the Rotunda but didn't explode. You can see where the bomb entered on the Rotunda besides that this place is amazing a must see. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Its also a nice town to have a bit to eat and a roam around.

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