As you enter Mosta you immediately recognise the Rotunda, the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church was built in the classical style in the middle of the 19th century mainly through the efforts, both technical and financial, of the villagers. It was designed by George Grognet de Vasse. His plan was closely based on that of the Pantheon, in Rome. The foundation stone was laid on May 30, 1833 and the church took 27 years to complete. Apart from the size of its dome, it is well-known because on April 9, 1942 at 4 p.m. the Rotunda's majestic dome was pierced by a 500-lb enemy bom whose shell is now exhibited inside the sacristy. The bomb fell in the centre of the church without exploding. Nobody was hurt.