San Lawrenz is a charming, traditional village in western Gozo, situated inland from the unique geological attractions of Dwejra Bay and adjacent to the Ta’ Dbiegi Craft Village. It is nestled on a plain surrounded by the hills of Ta’ Għammar, Ta’ Gelmus, and Ta’ Dbiegi, the latter rising to 195 metres above sea level and marking Gozo’s highest point, the village boasts a picturesque setting. Its population is approximately 800 residents.
Despite the presence of the modern five-star Kempinski San Lawrenz hotel on its outskirts, which attracts numerous local and foreign tourists, San Lawrenz has successfully preserved its traditional, rural lifestyle. The quaint village square is especially photogenic, but the village's main attraction remains the breathtaking Dwejra Bay, famous for its Blue Hole, Inland Sea, and Fungus Rock.
San Lawrenz is one of two Gozitan localities named after their patron saints, the other being the nearby hamlet of Santa Luċija in Ta’ Kerċem.
It was established as a parish on 15 March 1893. Before this date, the area was known as Ta’ Ċangura, and as such its existence can be traced back to before the tragic Siege of Gozo in 1551 that saw most of the population enslaved by the Ottoman Turks.
Until it was declared a parish in its own right, it formed part of the neighborhood of l-Għarb. However, the people of San Lawrenz decided they wanted a separate community and their own church. The foundation stone for this new church was laid and consecrated in 1886 with a relic of Saint Lawrence placed carefully beneath it. Every villager participated with great enthusiasm in the building of the church.
The village feast of San Lawrenz is celebrated in the first week of August.