Mosta Dome

Europe's fourth-largest dome

The Rotunda of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta has the fourth-largest dome in Europe (after the Pantheon in Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, and Florence Cathedral). The dome measures 37 metres in diameter and 60 metres in height. Construction began in 1833 to a design by Giorgio Grognet de Vasse, inspired by the Pantheon. The church was built around the old one (so the congregation was not deprived of their place of worship), and the old church was only demolished after the new one was completed in 1871.

The miracle of the bomb

On 9 April 1942, during a Luftwaffe raid on Malta, a 500 kg aerial bomb pierced the dome and crashed into the church, where mass was being held with about 300 congregants. The bomb rolled across the floor and came to rest against a wall. It did not explode. No one was killed. The Maltese considered it a miracle of Our Lady. A replica of the bomb is displayed in the sacristy.

A symbol of Maltese faith

Mosta Dome is one of the most important symbols of Maltese religiosity and national identity. The fact that a small, poor community managed to build such a vast church in the 19th century testifies to the strength of their faith and determination. Every day the church attracts tourists from around the world, fascinated by both its architecture and the story of the miraculous bomb.

Practical tip: Free entry (it is an active parish church). The bomb replica and small exhibition are in the sacristy to the left of the entrance. The dome is best seen from a bus from Valletta to Mosta (line 31 or 44).