Xaghra: Megaliths, Caves and Gozo Traditions

Xagħra brings together prehistoric sites, stories of everyday life in earlier times and distinctive landscapes on Gozo. Two Neolithic temples, a windmill with its original mechanism and caves with different stories give the village several facets. The valleys and agricultural land are also part of its character. You can shape your stay around cultural history, village life or the landscape.

Neolithic sites with specific details

The Ġgantija Archaeological Park contains two structures from the Late Neolithic period. They were built between 3,800 and 2,000 BC—a broad time span that puts the site into historical context. The visitor centre complements the view of the temples with information, audiovisual displays and a selection of significant Neolithic artefacts from Gozo. An outdoor path connects the centre to the Ġgantija Temples.

Another burial site, the Xagħra Circle, lies 400 metres southwest of Ġgantija. Natural caves there were adapted for the burial of entire generations. The location and use of the caves tell a different story of prehistory from the temple structures. Ta’ Għejżu Cave is also part of the area’s archaeological picture: the site lies on the Xagħra Plateau, west of Ġgantija. Ceramic fragments found there date from the Ġgantija phase; there are also abundant traces of red ochre.

Windmill history and village life

The restored Ta’ Kola Windmill dates from the 18th century. It includes the original mechanism and the miller’s restored living quarters. Its original circular millstones were used to grind grain into flour. Tools belonging to the last miller and folk furnishings also illustrate trade, traditions and local folklore. The story therefore ranges from the mill’s technical function to the everyday life associated with it.

The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys was founded in the 1970s by Susan and Edwin Lowe. Its exhibits include antique toys and a wax figure of Edward Lear. Another facet of the village is the basilica on the central square, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Xagħra celebrates its Festa every year on 8 September as “Il-Festa tal-Vittorja”. The feast commemorates the Maltese victory, under the Knights of St John, over the Ottomans during the Great Siege of 1565; some details of the festivities may vary.

Sansuna is also part of local storytelling: in folk tales, she is portrayed as a strong giantess who lived on Gozo in the distant past and, above all, carried megaliths across the island. The legend offers a different way of approaching the island’s stony past from archaeological finds: it is about the stories used to interpret the landscape.

Caves, rock and landscape

Ninu’s Cave is located on January Street inside a private home. It is known for stalactites and stalagmites formed by rainwater slowly filtering through the limestone. Xerri’s Grotto is on a street of the same name, also inside a private home. Since both caves are located in private homes, it is best to check visiting arrangements in advance.

Calypso Cave overlooks Ramla Bay and is associated with the nymph Calypso in local tradition. Another landscape feature can be found at Ġnien Imrik on the edge of the village: Sansuna’s Rock is an irregularly shaped slab of hard coralline limestone. The area around Ix-Xagħra is characterised by fertile valleys and some of Gozo’s best agricultural land. Together, these features show that Xagħra can be discovered not only through individual structures, but also through its landscape and the cultural interpretations of it.

Xagħra as a holiday rental destination

If you want to focus your stay on Neolithic sites and local history, Xagħra is a natural place to look for a holiday rental. The archaeological sites offer tangible points of interest for history enthusiasts; the windmill, museum, basilica and Festa add everyday life, crafts and tradition to the picture. If you are more interested in the landscape and local stories, the valleys, the Calypso tradition and the caves provide further themes to consider when planning your trip. Choose your accommodation according to which of these sides of Gozo you want to bring to the fore.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Valletta, Żebbuġ, Birkirkara, Mellieħa, Santa Luċija, Żabbar, Qrendi, Santa Venera.

For the main travel overview: Malta.