Xewkija
Xewkija, located South East of Rabat, is the village which retains Gozo’s biggest church and only rotunda, which is dedicated to St John the Baptiste. It is one of Gozo’s oldest villages with a typical Gozitan pjazza, complete with all the basic amenities, including supermarkets, pharmacies, as well as community village clubs, bars and restaurants.
Religious places
The rotunda, found in the main village square, is a majestic church dedicated to the parish saint, St John the Baptiste. When visiting the rotunda, you can also climb up to its dome, which is the 3rd largest free-standing dome in the world!
Before the rotunda was built, there was an older church on the side of the rotunda, which was smaller, and was dismantled stone by stone and has been rebuilt as a museum to preserve its rich sculpture.
On the outskirts of Xewkija, you can also find the Chapel of Santa Cecilia, which is considered to be the oldest chapel in Gozo.
Historic Places in Xewkija
Upon entering Xewkija, you will be able to see an antique windmill, which has been recently restored to its former glory. It is one of the few windmills which was built in the shape of an octagon and features many antique characteristics, including an oven which was used for baking bread in the older days. Visiting the windmill, you will also be able to see the mill itself and its motors.
Mgarr ix-Xini bay is the point where the rain water coming from the valley joins the Mediterranean waters, forming a lovely beach where local families enjoy their afternoons having a dip in the cool waters during the hot summer days. On cooler days, families still gather in this bay where young kids play together with the small pebbles found on the beach. Others enjoy picturesque countryside walks by the beach and its coastline which leads to the coastal watch tower guarding the beach.
On each side of the bay, one can see some typical Maltese beach houses, which are mostly well taken care of by their private owners, giving this bay a rich look. This bay is also a popular diving spot for beginner divers as well for more experienced divers. In this bay, Angelina Jolie shot her movie By the Sea, in which place most of the movie was shot, including the scenes which were set to be in the hotel where her character was residing. Should you wish to sit and enjoy the views which this bay offers, you can also sit on benches surrounding the bay.
Activities throughout the year
Feast of St John the Baptiste on the third weekend of June