Travel Guide Victoria - Rabat

Located right in the center of the island, this town of almost 7,000 inhabitants was called Rabat until 1898, the date of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and the old-timers still call it that. But it's the Queen who gave Rabat its name, not some military victory. Although the city's administrative and commercial activities are concentrated here, and hotels are still few and far between, it has a lot to offer visitors. The jewel in the crown is the citadel, completely renovated in 2016 after two years of work, which dominates the island. The 360-degree view from its bastions is truly spectacular, and makes for great walks, day or night. While the cathedral, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt by Lorenzo Gafa, is well worth a visit, a visit to Victoria cannot be limited to the citadel. It's very lively on market days, and the old quarter of alleyways surrounding St. George's Church is one of the best preserved in the country. It's a real pleasure to get lost here, and to glimpse the cool inner courtyards of the superb little houses. It's an atmosphere made up of whispers, silent cats with supple steps sparing their movements, white stones under a blazing sun, bigots on their doorsteps and blue or green facades.