It is good for people to know and read about Gozo’s historical facts. Why the distinguished names of that of “Rabat” or “Victoria.”

If people will take the trouble to look at our past history then they will find out that originally the city was previously called “Rabat.” The name Victoria at that time did not exist.

Rabat had a small confined area starting from the Citadel, down to Capuchin Area, Foremen and St Ursula Streets, Dawwara and the St Augustine area, Mandragg, Vajringa Street and Main Gate Street Areas. That is Rabat.

When Queen Victoria was crowned during her Jubilee Year, Rabat Councillors submitted to Her Majesty a petition to broaden the Rabat area to that as it is now and naming the whole area Victoria after Queen Victoria’s name.

Therefore the “Rabat” name is still valid and often used by its inhabitants as is normal and quite right. I know this myself as I was born in St Mary’s Street which is in the old Mandragg historical area.

Lino DeBono

Victoria

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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