"Xewkija's Rotunda" Xewkija by Diana75

Xewkija Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 41 photos

Located half way from the Mgarr Harbour to the capital town of Victoria, Xewkija is considered the oldest village in Gozo.

The village became the first parish outside Victoria on the 27th November 1678 by Bishop Molina.

The word Xewkija is derived from Arabic meaning an area of vast fields full of thorns which characterized the region in the past.

The first parish church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was erected and consecrated in 1755.

After the 2nd World War, with the growth of the population, there was the need for a larger church. The architect Joseph D'Amato, inspired by the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute in Venice, drew the plans of the new church and the first stone was laid down in 1951.

Today, the majestic Rotunda, dedicated to St John The Baptist, is Xewkija's distinctive landmark and parish church.

Last visit to Xewkija: Aug 2006
Intro Updated Dec 3, 2006
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Reviews (17)

Information board at the entrance - Xewkija

Information about the Rotunda Favorites (2)

At the entrance to the Rotunda is an information board with details about the impressive works to the church, its items... more travel advice

Xewkija's Rotunda in figures Favorites (2)

Rotunda inside: 64m long, 43m wide Dome's internal diameter: 24.5m Dome's external diameter: 27m Dome height:... more travel advice

The sacristy Local Customs (1)

The entrance to the modern sacristy is located on the right side of the Main Altar. Its item of interest is the... more travel advice

Arriving to Xewkija Transportation (1)

Xewkija is located half way from Mgarr Harbour to the capital of Victoria and is easily reachable by bus from both... more travel advice

Things to Do (13)
See All Treasures of the old church

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Comments (2)

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matcrazy1 Feb 16, 2007 at 11:37 AM

Good job! Interesting info and beautiful pictures as your usual.
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LoriPori Jan 15, 2007 at 4:00 AM

Another lovely page. Well done. The churches in Malta are so wonderful aren't they!