Xaghra: Prehistoric Heritage and Hotels

Xaghra is known for its rich archaeological history, as well as its milling technology, caves and local traditions. The Neolithic sites reveal different aspects of prehistory; a restored windmill and its folk artefacts tell stories of work and everyday life. The town also has caves with geological and cultural associations, as well as its annual festa.

Neolithic Sites and Archaeological Traces

The Ġgantija Archaeological Park comprises two structures from the late Neolithic period. They were built between 3,800 and 2,000 BC. The visitor centre provides information about the site, audiovisual displays and a selection of significant Neolithic artefacts from Gozo. An outdoor path connects the centre to the Ġgantija Temples, linking the two areas of the complex.

The Xagħra Circle offers another perspective on prehistory. This Neolithic burial site is 400 metres southwest of Ġgantija. Natural caves there were adapted for the burial of entire generations. While Ġgantija represents two structures dating from a long period, the Xagħra Circle focuses on the use of natural caves and burials spanning generations.

On the Xagħra plateau, west of Ġgantija, lies the archaeological site of Ta’ Għejżu Cave. Pottery fragments from the Ġgantija phase were found there alongside abundant traces of red ochre. The remains of the Santa Verna Temple, by contrast, consist of three standing megaliths northwest of Xaghra. Sansuna’s Rock, an irregularly shaped slab of hard coral limestone, is located at Ġnien Imrik on the outskirts of the town.

The surrounding landscape also shapes the character of the town: Xaghra is surrounded by fertile valleys and some of the best agricultural land on Gozo. The landscape adds an agricultural dimension to the archaeological themes.

Ta’ Kola Windmill and Local Collections

Ta’ Kola Windmill is a restored 18th-century windmill. It includes its original mechanism and restored living quarters of the miller. The original circular millstones were used to grind grain into flour. Items on display include the last miller’s tools and folk furniture that illustrate trade, traditions and local folklore. The windmill thus combines technological history with insights into work and everyday culture in the past.

The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys in Xaghra was founded in the 1970s by Susan and Edwin Lowe. Its collection includes antique toys and a wax figure of Edward Lear. A comparison with Ta’ Kola Windmill highlights the different focuses of the two museums: here the emphasis is on toys and a figure, while the windmill showcases milling technology, tools and folk furniture.

Caves, Legends and Festa

Ninu’s Cave is located on January Street, inside a private residence. The cave is known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, created by rainwater slowly filtering through the limestone. Xerri’s Grotto is on a street of the same name, also inside a private residence. As visiting arrangements at private locations may change, check the current visiting options in advance.

Calypso Cave overlooks Ramla Bay and is associated with the nymph Calypso in local legend. Here, the landscape and storytelling tradition come together. The basilica in Xaghra’s central square is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is another religious landmark in the town.

A regular date in the annual calendar is the festa “Il-Festa tal-Vittorja”, which Xaghra celebrates every year on 8 September. It commemorates the victory of the Maltese, led by the Knights Hospitaller, over the Ottomans during the Great Siege of 1565. If you would like to plan your trip around the festa, check the programme for the year in advance. This recurring event is distinct from the archaeological and architectural features that shape the town year-round.

Discover more destinations: Naxxar, Kercem, Żabbar, Mgarr, Gharb, Qrendi, Pembroke, Gozo.

For the broader travel overview: Malta.