Mosta City Highlights Tour (Including Buffet Lunch & Mobile Phone App.)

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey that will take you right into the heart of the charming village of Mosta, one of Malta's oldest but constantly evolving villages, an experience that will give you the most comprehensive tour possible of this picturesque village.

You can start your tour at any time between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., giving you complete freedom to organize your day. You will be welcomed by our receptionist as soon as you arrive at the reception desk within the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Rotunda of Mosta), who will provide you with all the necessary information and suggestions to make the most of your visit.

At the reception desk, you will be guided on how to download our mobile phone app, which you will be using during your tour (free Wi-Fi is available at the Rotunda of Mosta; therefore, you can connect to the free Wi-Fi to download our app).


► The Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Rotunda of Mosta):

You will start your tour by visiting the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, often called the Mosta Dome or the Rotunda of Mosta, a Roman Catholic parish church and minor basilica situated in the center of the hamlet. The current church, which was built between 1833 and 1860 to neoclassical designs and is modelled after the Pantheon in Rome, is Malta's largest church and is renowned for having the third-largest unsupported dome in the world!

The church narrowly avoided destruction during World War II when, on April 9, 1942, the German Luftwaffe dropped a bomb on the church. The bomb pierced the dome and entered the church but failed to detonate, thus sparing the lives of more than 300 people who were attending the early evening mass. To this date, this event is interpreted by the locals as a miracle.

The interior of the church is just spellbinding with its size, design, and décor. A coffered ceiling of gilded stone-carved flowers set on a blue background and a floor made of inlaid marble give a feeling of rich splendour. The church has eight beautiful side altars and a magnificent high altar; the murals behind the side altars, painted by the famous Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali, are simply marvellous. The entire interior, lavishly decorated by local artists and trimmed with gold leaf, is mesmerizing. Inside, you can also see a large-scale model of the church and a replica of the bomb. You will also have the opportunity to ascend to the portico and enter the inside balcony of the church, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the innermost area of the church from high above.

During your visit, you will receive printed material and a mobile phone app that may be downloaded before your visit, both of which are available in five different languages (English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish) and will serve to enhance your entire experience. A 7-minute video available in 13 different languages about Mosta, the church, and unique events held at the parish is also included in the app.


► Mosta World War II Air-Raid Shelter:

During your visit to the Rotunda of Mosta, you will also be able to explore an underground World War II air-raid shelter. The shelter that skirts the Mosta church parvis was dug by hand in 1940 by 15 highly skilled workers and was used by the locals to protect themselves during the many and continuous air raids suffered during the Second World War. After being closed for many years, this shelter has now been re-opened to the public to give locals and tourists alike the opportunity to relive the hardships that the Maltese people had to endure during the relentless bombing of the islands throughout World War II. The complex also boasts an exhibition of tools and implements related to old trades and a photo exhibition about Malta during World War II.


► Walk through the Old Streets of Mosta and Visit Other Places of Interest with Exclusive Access:

Assisted by one of our team members, you will stroll through Mosta's historic streets, admiring the architecture, splendour, and beauty of this charming village while also visiting some places of interest with exclusive access available only during this tour.

You will visit the Markiz Mallia Tabone Farmhouse, a Mosta farm that was converted into a cultural hub housing a variety of permanent exhibits about the Maltese heritage, folklore, and contemporary arts, as well as various other seasonal or temporary exhibitions that are displayed throughout the year, such as the annual cribs exhibition during the Christmas season, the lent and Easter exhibitions, and many others.

You will also visit the Speranza Chapel, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, located in the beautiful “Wied il-Għasel” (also known as Mosta Valley). This gorgeous chapel was completed in the year 1761. Legend has it that a young girl who was running to escape from two corsairs took refuge in a cave and prayed to Our Lady to save her. A spider quickly weaved its web over the opening of the cave, hiding the girl from the invaders. When the men arrived, they did not look inside the cave, as they thought the web was intact and undisturbed. The chapel was erected above this cave, and many, to this date, believe that the chapel is a place of miraculous worship. During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to visit the cave described in the legend.

During your walk, we will provide you with a booklet in different languages explaining the significance of each point of interest, and through the mobile phone app, you can also listen to the information in several languages.


► A Typical Full Maltese Buffet Meal Served at the DOME Visitors Centre:

Enjoy a delightful buffet meal at the DOME Visitors Centre, where you will sample various Maltese specialties in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

◆ The buffet of traditional Maltese delicacies includes:

• Ħobż biż-żejt u l-kunserva (Maltese bread drizzled with olive oil and spread with a traditional tomato paste)
• Pastizzi (a traditional pastry filled either with ricotta or curried peas)
• Qassatat (a traditional pastry filled with a variety of different ingredients)
• Timpana (a traditional pasta pie made of penne, hard-boiled eggs and minced meat)
• Ftira bit-tonn taż-żejt (a traditional leavened Maltese bread with fillings such as tuna, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives)
• Bigilla served with galletti (a traditional Maltese dip made of mashed broad beans, olive oil, salt and red pepper) served with water biscuits
• Fażola bajda bit-tewm u t-tursin (traditional Maltese white butter beans drizzled with olive oil and vinegar and seasoned with garlic and parsley)
• Żebbuġ mimli (traditional Maltese large olives stuffed with a tuna paste mixture)
• Ġbejniet tal-bżar (traditional semi-hardened peppered cheeselets made from goats’ milk)
• Selection of traditional Maltese sweets according to season (such as diamond-date-filled pastries, honey rings, almond macaroons, etc.)
• Water, wine, or soft drink
• Coffee or tea