Xewkija: Rotunda, Windmill and Festivals

Xewkija brings together striking religious buildings, a historic windmill and recurring festivals. This offers several concrete points to consider when choosing a destination: the Rotunda as a large-scale building, the older craft tradition and opportunities for outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Xewkija, you can first weigh up whether the town’s history or hiking and seasonal abseiling will play a bigger part in your stay. The following features show what makes the town on Gozo distinctive.

The Rotunda and its construction history

The Rotunda is a prominent landmark in Xewkija’s architectural history. Its dome is 28 metres in diameter and 75 metres high. The Rotunda’s sculpture museum preserves valuable stonework from the older church. This building therefore draws attention both for the size of its dome and for the surviving works from an earlier phase of the church. A lift leads to the bell tower, which offers panoramic views across Gozo. Check before visiting whether access for visitors is currently possible.

Windmill and local craftsmanship

The windmill also tells the story of Xewkija’s architectural history. Built in 1710, it is the oldest surviving windmill on Gozo. Its shape is octagonal—that is, it has eight sides—and it is aligned with the main wind directions. The local stoneworking tradition adds to this picture of craftsmanship: Xewkija is known for producing Gozitan stonemasons and Maltese stone decorators. Many of them worked on the construction of the Rotunda.

St Cecilia and medieval religious architecture

The tower and chapel of St Cecilia lie on the edge of town. The chapel is the only one on the island dating from the Middle Ages. Its history sets it apart from the Rotunda and the windmill: for travellers interested in religious architecture, the townscape features not only the Rotunda but also a medieval chapel and its tower.

Religious festivals throughout the year

Festivals offer another way to connect with the town’s history. Xewkija’s feast is celebrated every year on the Sunday closest to 24 June, so the calendar date varies. At the Our Lady of Mercy chapel, a feast in honour of Our Lady is celebrated on 17 September and one in honour of St Bartholomew on 24 August. If you would like to include one of the celebrations in your stay, check the specific dates and programme before travelling.

Landscape and activities on Gozo

For a general sense of Gozo’s layout, Xewkija lies halfway between Mġarr Harbour and ir-Rabat. The town is a good base for hiking; outdoor conditions and route access may vary seasonally. Xewkija is also a suitable base for abseiling in winter and spring. Check local conditions and providers before your trip. Gozo’s landscape also offers a connection with nature: Wied Ħanżira is one of the deepest valleys on Gozo and a refuge for wild plants. For travellers who want to consider the island’s landscape as well as churches, domes and craftsmanship when choosing a destination, this valley offers a different perspective.

Discover more destinations: Gozo, Munxar, Marsalforn, Nadur, Tarxien, Pembroke, Kercem, Ta' Xbiex

For the broader travel overview: Malta.