San Lawrenz

About San Lawrenz

San Lawrence is built on a plain surrounded by three hills which are Għammar, Gelmus and Ta' Dbieġi. Ta' Dbieġi, rises 195 metres above sea level and is the highest point in Gozo. In the limits of San Lawrenz, there is also the bay of Dwejra, known for its strange geological faults.

The village has retained its traditional and rural lifestyle.

San Lawrenz and Santa Luċija are the two Gozitan localities that have taken their name from their patron. Santa Luċija is the nearby hamlet. 

Before San Lawrenz was declared a parish in 1893, it formed part of the neighbourhood of Għarb. However, as time went by the people of San Lawrenz started to form a separate community and as a result, they wanted a church for themselves. The foundation stone for this new church was laid and consecrated by Bishop Peter Pace on 21 of November in the year 1886. The relic of Saint Lawrence was placed under this stone. Every villager participated in the building of the church.San Lawrenz was established as a parish on 15 March 1893. Before this date, the area was known as Ta' Ċangura. Most probably the site derived its name from a local family name or nickname. The date of origin of this area is not known. However the name Ta' Ċangura can be dated back to before the Siege of Gozo, that is, before July 1551.