Xewkija lies halfway between Mġarr Harbour and ir-Rabat. The village brings together a range of historical themes: the Rotunda, a windmill dating from 1710 and the medieval St Cecilia Chapel. Religious feast days and outdoor activities are also part of the picture: Xewkija makes a suitable base for walking and, in winter and spring, abseiling.

The Rotunda and Stonework

The Rotunda’s dome is 28 metres in diameter and 75 metres high. The Rotunda’s sculpture museum preserves valuable stonework from the older church, including stone sculptures and marble elements. Xewkija is also known for producing Gozitan stonemasons and Maltese stone decorators; many of them worked on the construction of the Rotunda. The dome’s dimensions and the preserved works show two distinct aspects of the local heritage: the scale of the building and the stonework from the older church. An elevator leads to the bell tower, which offers panoramic views across Gozo. Check whether access is available before your visit.

The Xewkija Windmill

The Xewkija windmill was built in 1710 and is the oldest surviving windmill on Gozo. Its octagonal shape and orientation to the prevailing winds make it architecturally distinct from the Rotunda. A comparison of the two buildings therefore highlights different features: the windmill’s layout and orientation to the wind, and the Rotunda’s dome and its dimensions. Together, they offer a glimpse of two distinct forms of historic architecture on Gozo.

Chapels and Feast Dates

The tower and chapel of St Cecilia stand on the outskirts of Xewkija. The chapel is the only one on the island dating from the Middle Ages. It adds another reference point from a different period to the village’s architectural history.

At the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, a feast in honour of Our Lady is celebrated on 17 September, and one in honour of St Bartholomew on 24 August. Xewkija’s feast is held each year on the Sunday closest to 24 June. The feasts therefore follow different scheduling rules: two fall on fixed calendar dates, while Xewkija’s feast is set according to the day of the week closest to 24 June. If you would like to plan your trip around a feast, check the arrangements for the specific year.

Landscape and Outdoor Activities

On Gozo, Wied Ħanżira is one of the deepest valleys and a refuge for wild plants. The valley offers a different focus from the Rotunda, windmill and chapels: the landscape takes centre stage, while the buildings show different aspects of architectural and craft history.

Xewkija makes a suitable base for walking; seasonal conditions and route access may vary. In winter and spring, the village also makes a suitable base for abseiling. Check conditions and abseiling providers before your trip; when walking, take seasonal conditions and route access into account.

Discover more destinations: Żebbuġ, Sliema, Santa Luċija, Rabat, Ghammar, Mgarr, Għargħur, Victoria

For the main travel overview: Malta.