Discover Xewkija: Rotunda, Windmill and Nature on Gozo

Xewkija on Gozo combines striking church architecture, craft traditions and a variety of opportunities for active days. Those looking for a holiday apartment can consider the village as a base for cultural discoveries, seasonal festivals and hiking. Xewkija lies halfway between the port of Mġarr and ir-Rabat. This location provides clear orientation for planning a trip without limiting the holiday to a single attraction.

Rotunda and windmill: Xewkija’s cultural profile

The Rotunda is the focal point. Its dome has a diameter of 28 metres and is 75 metres high. The Rotunda Sculpture Museum preserves valuable stonework from the earlier church. The local craft tradition is also closely connected with the building: Xewkija is known for having produced Gozitan stonemasons and Maltese stone decorators, many of whom worked on the construction of the Rotunda.

The history of the village also includes the Xewkija windmill. It was built in 1710 and is the oldest surviving windmill on Gozo. Its octagonal shape is aligned with the main wind directions. The restored Xewkija windmill was opened to visitors daily and free of charge. For travellers wishing to combine historic buildings with regional craftsmanship, this creates various cultural focal points for their holiday days.

Chapels, views and special dates

At the edge of the village stand the tower and chapel of St Cecilia. St Cecilia’s Chapel is the only chapel on the island dating from the Middle Ages. The Rotunda also has a lift to the belfry, offering panoramic views across Gozo. These different perspectives – a medieval religious building, the Rotunda’s large dome and views across the island – make Xewkija varied for travellers interested in culture.

Festival dates can also play a role in planning. The Xewkija feast takes place every year on the Sunday closest to 24 June. At the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, feasts in honour of Our Lady and Saint Bartholomew are celebrated on 17 September and 24 August respectively. Those wishing to combine a trip to Gozo with religious and local traditions can take these dates into consideration.

Hiking, nature and seasonal activities

Xewkija is suitable as a base for hiking. In winter and spring, the village is also suitable as a base for abseiling. This allows different holiday preferences to be taken into account when choosing accommodation: while the Rotunda, the Sculpture Museum and the windmill appeal to cultural interests, hiking and seasonal abseiling offer a more active way to spend the day.

Gozo’s natural landscape includes Wied Ħanżira, one of the deepest valleys on Gozo and a refuge for wild plants. Those who wish to discover the island’s landscape as well as its buildings and festivals will find another distinct focus here. For families with different interests, it may be useful to organise their preferred activities when looking for a holiday apartment: cultural visits, festivals, hiking or seasonal outdoor experiences each lead to different daily plans.

The right accommodation for your trip planning

When looking for a holiday apartment in Xewkija, you can choose between cultural impressions and active days as your preferred travel focus.

Compare other places on Gozo

If you would like to compare other places besides Xewkija, you can find Xaghra, Xlendi, Ħal Għaxaq, Gharb, Fgura, Vittoriosa, San Ġwann and Marsaskala here.

For the overarching travel overview: Malta.