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Xewkija

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City
—°9
Xewkija (Malta)
ℹ️

Practical info — Xewkija

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Take the elevator up to the roof of the Rotunda; it gives one of the best 360-degree panoramic views over the entirety of Gozo.
  • Xewkija is much quieter than Victoria, meaning street parking around the massive church is usually very easy and stress-free.
  • Combine your visit with a hike down to Mġarr ix-Xini bay; the village is the great starting point for the valley trail.
  • If visiting in late June, don't miss the feast of St. John the Baptist, when the village is spectacularly decorated for the festa.

🍽 Food

🍽
Wood-fired Ftira

Look for small, unassuming bakeries in the alleys near the Rotunda selling fresh, wood-fired Gozitan ftira.

🍽
Fresh Ġbejna

Pick up this local sheep's cheese (either fresh or peppered) from village grocers to make a great authentic picnic.

🍽
Rustic Seafood

Drive or hike down to Mġarr ix-Xini bay for a fantastic, no-frills fish lunch situated right on the water's edge.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Maltese Bread

Pick up a warm loaf of Ħobż tal-Malti (crusty sourdough bread) from the village bakeries first thing in the morning.

🛍
Limestone Crafts

Xewkija is known for its stonemasons; keep an eye out for small workshops selling decorative Maltese limestone carvings.

🧘
The Rotunda Interior

Outside of mass times, the interior of this massive church is wonderfully peaceful, cool, and architecturally awe-inspiring.

🧘
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley

A walk through the gorge down to the bay has absolute tranquility and plenty of rugged Maltese nature.

Xewkija is one of the oldest and largest villages on the island of Gozo, ideally positioned between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria. The village is world-famous for the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist, an architectural marvel featuring one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. This massive church, visible from almost everywhere on the island, was begun in 1952 and constructed around an older, smaller church, the intricate parts of which are preserved in the Rotunda Museum. Xewkija holds the distinction of being Gozo's first rural parish, established in 1678. Today, it serves as a significant hub for sports and education, hosting the Gozo Stadium and the island's main industrial estate. Nature lovers can enjoy the trails leading from the village down to the memorable Mġarr ix-Xini valley, a deep limestone gorge that opens into a secluded pebble beach and crystal-clear swimming spot. The village is also deeply connected to the local stone masonry tradition, with its skilled craftsmen having built many of the island's iconic limestone structures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
3,303
Coordinates
36.03310, 14.25920

Facts

  • The Rotunda's dome has an external diameter of 27 meters and reaches 75 meters in height.
  • Xewkija's parish was the first to be separated from the central parish of Victoria in 1678.
  • The current church was designed by architect Joseph D'Amato based on Santa Maria della Salute.
  • The village is home to the University of Malta's Gozo Campus.
  • Mġarr ix-Xini, a valley near the village, is a popular site for technical diving.
  • The historic Majmuna Stone, an 1174 Arabic tombstone, was found in this locality.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rotunda of XewkijaRotunda of Xewkija<1 km · EExplore →
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)1 km · NWExplore →
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)2 km · SWExplore →
ĠgantijaĠgantija2 km · NEExplore →
Mġarr ix-XiniMġarr ix-Xini2 km · SEExplore →
SannatSannat2 km · WExplore →
NadurNadur3 km · EExplore →
Caper Bushes of GozoCaper Bushes of Gozo3 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xewkija (9)

Ta' Blanks Megalithic Stones🏺 historical

Ta' Blanks Megalithic Stones in Xewkija are a group of Neolithic standing stones.

Cart Ruts🏺 historical

Cart Ruts is an ancient archaeological site featuring mysterious carved tracks in Xewkija.

Ta' Ċenċ Dolmen🏺 historical

Prehistoric megalithic dolmen on the Ta'Ċenċ plateau overlooking the sea.

Ta' Ċenċ Cliff📍 landmark

Ta' Ċenċ Cliff is a spectacular coastal cliff in Xewkija. It is known as an important breeding site for seabirds.

Landy📍 landmark

Rocky shoreline landmark known for its clear waters.

Cliffs of Ta' Cenc🌿 nature

Dramatic limestone cliffs rising above the sea at Ta'Ċenċ.

Pjazzetta l-Għammiedi📍 landmark

Pjazzetta l-Għammiedi is a local point of interest and attraction situated in Xewkija.

Xewkija Rotunda Church⛪ religious

Xewkija Rotunda Church is a major place of worship in Xewkija. It is famous for its colossal unsupported dome, one of the largest in the world.

Xagħra Stone Circle

Fascinating archaeological site near Xewkija offering a unique glimpse into the region's ancient prehistoric past.

💶

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous building in Xewkija?
The Xewkija Rotunda, a massive church boasting one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.
Can you visit the Rotunda dome?
Yes, an elevator takes you to a viewing platform at the base of the dome for panoramic views of Gozo.
Can you walk to Xewkija from Victoria?
Yes, it is about a 20 to 30-minute walk (approx. 2 km) along the main road.
When is the village feast in Xewkija?
The feast of St. John the Baptist is usually celebrated in June with grand festivities.
Are there hiking trails nearby?
Nearby is the Mġarr ix-Xini valley, a popular spot for hiking and diving.
Xewkija: where is it located?
Xewkija is located in Malta.
Xewkija: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ta' Blanks Megalithic Stones, Cart Ruts, Ta' Ċenċ Dolmen.
Xewkija: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Xewkija: why is it worth visiting?
Xewkija is one of the oldest and largest villages on the island of Gozo, ideally positioned between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria.
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Nearby cities

Sannat — Xewkija (Malta)
Sannat
Sannat is a village in Gozo renowned for its dramatic Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs, its rich flora, and traditional lace-making.
Nadur — Xewkija (Malta)
Nadur
Situated on a plateau in eastern Gozo, Nadur is famous for its vibrant carnival, its maritime influence, and the Ta' Kenuna Tower.
Dwejra — Xewkija (Malta)
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.
Qawra — Xewkija (Malta)
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
Mtarfa — Xewkija (Malta)
Mtarfa
Mtarfa is a small town overlooking Mdina, known for its past as a British military barracks and its distinctive clock tower.

History & landmarks

Mġarr ix-Xini — Xewkija (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini
A narrow, secluded bay and valley.
Xlendi Bay — Xewkija (Malta)
Xlendi Bay
A fjord-like bay surrounded by high cliffs.
Ramla Bay — Xewkija (Malta)
Ramla Bay
Largest red sandy beach in Gozo.
San Blas Bay — Xewkija (Malta)
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.
Giordan Lighthouse — Xewkija (Malta)
Giordan Lighthouse
A prominent lighthouse on a hill overlooking Għasri.
Sarraflu Pond — Xewkija (Malta)
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.
Ħondoq ir-Rummien — Xewkija (Malta)
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Blue Lagoon — Xewkija (Malta)
Blue Lagoon
Famous bay on Comino.

Nature

Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo) — Xewkija (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)
A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.
Qammieh Point — Xewkija (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Xewkija (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay — Xewkija (Malta)
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay
A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.
Victoria Lines Fault — Xewkija (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Xewkija (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.

More places

Rotunda of Xewkija — Xewkija (Malta)
Rotunda of Xewkija
A massive church featuring one of the world's largest unsupported domes.
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo) — Xewkija (Malta)
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)
A public garden in Victoria with a playground and many birds in aviaries.
Ġgantija — Xewkija (Malta)
Ġgantija
Oldest temple complex on Gozo.
Caper Bushes of Gozo — Xewkija (Malta)
Caper Bushes of Gozo
Gozo is known for its wild-growing caper bushes, whose buds are harvested and preserved.
Fort Chambray — Xewkija (Malta)
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo) — Xewkija (Malta)
Marsalforn Bay (Gozo)
A popular resort town with a small harbour for fishing boats.
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo) — Xewkija (Malta)
Tal-Massar Winery (Gozo)
A boutique winery on Gozo specializing in producing wines from local grape varieties.
Wied il-Għasri Canyon — Xewkija (Malta)
Wied il-Għasri Canyon
Wied il-Għasri is a narrow canyon on Gozo that opens into the sea.