The mighty Xewkija rotunda, along with Victoria's Citadel, is the most conspicuous landmark in Gozo. The dome is one of the biggest in the world yet, for most Gozitans, it is not quite big enough; the intention was to exceed the dimensions of the Mosta Dome in Malta, which it succeeds in height but not in diameter.

The Church was built between 1951 and 1971, during which time services were held in the baroque church. The exterior of the church has been compared to the Salute in Venice; the proportions and the baroque style are certainly reminiscent, though the external decoration is not as abundant.