a43
An aerial view of the village of Mosta with the Parish Church
of St.Mary in the centre with its large dome
. Mosta Church is also known as the Rotunda because of its circular form; it has
a dome (reputed to be the third largest in the world, though this could now be
fourth largest) and therefore has no pillars and other supporting structure in
the middle to obstruct the view of the main altar and all of the interior. On
9th April 1942 enemy bombers (Germans, not Italians) dropped bombs on the
Rotunda, one of which penetrated the dome without exploding. A service with
about 300 people was on at the time the bomb penetrated the dome but all
those attending were miraculously delivered from harm.
