Żebbuġ: Churches, Salt Pans and Craftsmanship on Gozo

Żebbuġ is located on a quiet hill in the north of Gozo. From here, the views stretch far across the island’s landscape and as far as the Mediterranean. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home for your trip, you can therefore consider whether to focus on culture, traditional craftsmanship, landscapes or experiences along the coast. Żebbuġ combines these themes in a distinctive, rural setting.

Churches and Special Places in the Townscape

The parish church of Iż-Żebbuġ stands out for its use of onyx. The high altar, choir and baptistery are also made from this stone. Another historic church is Santa Marija, which is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and was consecrated in 1726. The religious townscape is complemented by the image niche il-Madonna Omm tal-Ħniena, better known as taċ-Ċiċri.

Another unusual building is Żebbuġ Primary School. The modernist building has a U-shape, long corridors with rows of concrete columns, and staircases that strongly define its architecture. Riħ id-Deheb, a museum house with collections, is located on Triq Ġoma. It is also intended for use as a venue for cultural events. A natural grotto lies beneath Riħ id-Deheb.

Salt Pans, Coast and Historical Traces

Historical salt pans stretch along the coast from Qbajjar to Ras ir-Reqqa and continue to produce salt. During the summer months, you can watch locals sweeping up the salt at the Xwejni salt pans. The Xwejni pebble bay is also located nearby. It is particularly popular for swimming and diving in summer. These coastal experiences add a distinctive accent to the churches, craftsmanship and landscape views in the town.

The Batterija tal-Qbajjar was built between 1715 and 1716 and is one of two surviving batteries on Gozo. In a field accessible via Triq Għajn Mhelhel, there were once Phoenician tombs carved into the rock.

Landscape and Regional Traditions

Wied l-Infern can be reached from Żebbuġ via a steeply descending road and runs between the hills of Żebbuġ, Ta’ Kuljat and Dabrani. Those who include such landscapes in their travel plans can alternate between cultural sightseeing and excursions into the surrounding area. When choosing accommodation, the desired structure of each day is particularly important: some travellers focus on the townscape and craft traditions, while others combine Żebbuġ with coastal and landscape experiences.

The inhabitants of Iż-Żebbuġ are known for the high quality of their lacework and weaving. Woollen blankets made from sheep’s wool are also well known. Gbejniet, the traditional small cheeses of Gozo, are part of the regional food culture. They are made from the milk of sheep from the surrounding countryside. Such details also make Żebbuġ interesting for travellers who want to discover local products and traditional skills.

Further Historical Connections

An air-raid shelter from the Second World War was cleaned and restored in 2005 so that it could be visited and appreciated by the public. The founding of the Iż-Żebbuġ parish is commemorated with special celebrations organised by the local council since 1999. Together with the churches, salt pans and craft traditions, this creates a multifaceted picture of the town that goes beyond a single focus for an excursion.

If you would like to visit other destinations in addition to Żebbuġ, you can find San Lawrenz, Mosta, Marsa, Marsalforn, Iklin, Santa Venera, Żurrieq and Gzira here.

For the overarching travel overview: Malta.