Gozitan Villages
Xaghra
Population: 3700Nearby: Marsalforn, Ramla Beach, Calypso Cave
Situated on the central north-east of the island, the town of Xaghra is one of the earliest spots where human habitation is present. The first people settled on the hill’s highest point – tal-Qacca. The latter was italianised to ‘Caccia’ and is the name by which this village was referred to in written documents, till the Second World War. Moreover, in early modern documents, the plateau is referred to as Xaghret il-Ghazzenin. However, in the spoken language, the place was commonly known as ix-Xaghra – a rocky plateau covered with patches of red soils. In fact, the name of ix-Xaghra is first recorded as thaxahara in the acts of Notary Joannes Bondin on 17th February 1518. It is also described as the village of the goddess and the Madonna.
Built during the mid 19th Century, the Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri established the main church as an independent parish on the 28th April 1688. One must say that the richly-decorated interior, gilt sculptures, Italian marbles and paintings makes this church one of the most beautiful churches in Gozo. This is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the feast is dedicated every 8th September. Locally, this is known as ‘Il-Festa tal-Vittorja’ which commemorates the victory of the Maltese under the Knights of St. John over the Turks in the Siege of 1565. However, the first parish church which is still standing today is the medieval church dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbot.
This picturesque village is encircled by the beautiful bays of Ramla, Ghajn Barrani and Marsalforn, while the valleys of Ramla, Ta' l-Ghejjun and Marsalforn caress this lovely village.
Having plenty to offer to its visitors, the village of Xaghra is rich in historical heritage. In fact, Xaghra hosts the oldest free-standing prehistoric structure in the world – the temples of Ggantija (The Giant’s Feet). This spot is a proof of early human habitation since extremely early times. Nearby, there also lies the Neolithic site of Santa Verna. Within Xaghra lies Calypso Cave - the home of the nymph Calypso mentioned in Homer's Odyssey.
Beneath private houses but open to the public, lies two natural marvel, curious grottos - Ta’ Xerri and Ta’ Ninu. The grottos have remarkable fantastic shapes of stalactites and stalagmites. These were formed over the ages by the slow filtration of rainwater through the limestone which composes the tableland. Xaghra also has two unusual museums – a Toy Museum and an old wheat-grinding windmill. The latter was built on 5th September 1786. It is the only windmill in Gozo that has its own original wooden cogwheel machinery in good functioning order since it has been fully restored. On the other hand, the "Pomskizillious" Museum of Toys exhibits antique collectors' toys.
These attractions intrigue hundreds of tourists who visit Xaghra all year round!
Places of Interests:
- Ggantija Neolithic temples
- Ta Kola Windmill
- Xerri’s Grotto
- Calypso Cave
- Pomskizillious - Museum of Toys
- Ghajn Barrani Cove (pretty bay recommended for the adventurous)
- Ramla Bay
Amenities:
- Police Station
- Pharmacy
- Bakery
- Groceries
Restaurants, Snack Bars & Wine Bars:
- Ta’ Frenc Restaurant
Banks:
- HSBC
- BOV
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