Xewkija is considered the oldest village on the island of Gozo to receive the status of a separate parish after the island's capital, Victoria. The history of habitation in this area dates back to antiquity; however, November 27, 1678, is considered the official milestone in the town's administrative establishment. It was then that Bishop Miguel Jerónimo de Molina granted Xewkija the status of the first rural parish outside the walls of the Citadel.
The name of the town has Arabic origins and translates to "an area overgrown with thorny bushes" or "thorns." This toponym describes the original landscape of the territory before it was fully reclaimed and cultivated by the first farmers.
Key Factors of Formation
Geographical Location: Its position on the plain between the main harbor of Mġarr and the capital, Victoria, made this location a strategically convenient transit and residential point.
Historical Continuity: Important archaeological artifacts have been found in Xewkija, including the famous "Majmuna Stone"—a marble headstone with a Kufic inscription dating back to 1174. This indicates a developed culture and the presence of an Arabic population in the Middle Ages even before the arrival of the Knights of the Order of St. John.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
The traditional way of life in early Xewkija was shaped by the island's natural resources:
Stonemasonry: Xewkija has historically been famous for its master stonemasons and the quarrying of high-quality Maltese limestone. Stone-working traditions became the town's hallmark, allowing local residents to erect impressive architectural structures.
Agricultural Development: Local farmers managed to turn the wastelands that gave the town its name into productive agricultural fields, providing food for the island's growing population.
Timeline
Key Historical Milestones
March 21, 1174 — The dating of the famous "Majmuna Stone," a marble headstone with Arabic script found near Xewkija, evidencing an early Islamic presence.
November 27, 1678 — Bishop Miguel Jerónimo de Molina grants Xewkija the status of the first independent parish on Gozo outside the capital, Victoria.
Around 1710 — Construction of the unique octagonal "Tat-Tmien Kantunieri" windmill by order of Grand Master Ramon Perellos.
1755 — Consecration of the old parish church, which served as the community's spiritual center until the mid-20th century.
1845 — Creation of the titular statue of St. John the Baptist by the renowned sculptor Pietro Paolo Azzopardi.
May 13, 1929 — Foundation of the "Precursor Band" philharmonic society, the town's oldest social organization.
November 19, 1951 — Commencement of large-scale work to build the new Rotunda church around the old temple building.
May 4, 1952 — Solemn ceremony for the laying of the first stone in the foundation of the Rotunda.
May 31, 1970 — Completion of the main phase of dome construction and the placement of the cross at its summit.
June 17, 1978 — Official consecration of the Rotunda, coinciding with the 300th anniversary of the parish's foundation.
June 23, 1978 — The Rotunda is declared the spiritual seat of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Knights Hospitaller) on the island of Gozo.
1993 — Formation of the first Xewkija Local Council as part of the national decentralization reform.
Milestones
Stages of Development and Transformation
The development of Xewkija is a journey from a small agrarian settlement to its status as a key industrial and educational center on the island of Gozo. The main milestones in the formation of the modern town can be divided into the following stages:
Independence from the Citadel (17th century). Gaining status as the first parish outside the capital was a powerful stimulus for urbanization. This event transformed Xewkija from scattered farmsteads into an organized settlement, which became a prototype for the development of other villages on Gozo.
Development of the Milling Industry (18th century). The construction of a unique octagonal windmill by decree of Grand Master Perellos marked the town's role as an important link in the island's food supply chain. A trading square formed around the mill, facilitating economic exchange between residents of the surrounding lands.
Architectural Feat and Visual Transformation (mid-20th century). The construction of the new Rotunda church was not just a religious act, but a town-planning project of national scale. The erection of the massive dome by local craftsmen and volunteers solidified Xewkija's reputation as a center for Malta's finest stonemasons and builders, fundamentally changing the skyline of the entire island.
Creation of the Industrial Zone (Xewkija Industrial Estate). A crucial economic stage that turned the town into the manufacturing heart of Gozo. The establishment of the industrial park provided hundreds of jobs and diversified the region's economy, reducing dependence on traditional agriculture.
Establishment as an Educational Hub (late 20th century). The opening of the University of Malta Gozo Campus gave the town a new status. This transformation made Xewkija the center of the island's intellectual life, hosting conferences, lectures, and international exams, attracting students and the academic community.
Development of Transport Infrastructure. The construction of the Gozo Heliport on the outskirts of the town was an attempt to improve logistical links between the islands. Despite varying levels of flight activity, the presence of aeronautical infrastructure underscores Xewkija's strategic importance as a transport hub.
Architecture
Architectural Character and Style
The architecture of Xewkija is a testament to the mastery of local stonemasons. The town is justly famous for its stone-working traditions: almost every building here, from modest houses to monumental churches, is crafted from golden Maltese limestone (globigerina). This soft, warm-toned material creates a unified color palette for the settlement, which looks particularly striking at sunset.
Urban Planning Features
Xewkija's layout combines features of medieval Arabic influence and European urban planning:
A Labyrinth of Streets: The historic core of the town (the "U"-shaped old development zone) consists of narrow, winding alleys. This architecture was designed intentionally: the curved lanes provide shade and protect residents from the scorching sun and winds.
Centripetal Composition: All main roads lead to the central square, dominated by the Rotunda. This is a classic example of how a church serves as both the spiritual and visual center of a Maltese town.
Vernacular Architecture: Traditional houses are characterized by thick walls, flat roofs for rainwater collection, and minimalist facades. The primary decoration is the Maltese balcony (gallarija)—enclosed wooden structures, often painted in vibrant colors (green, blue, red) that contrast with the yellow stone.
The Town's Landmark: The Rotunda
The main architectural highlight of Xewkija is the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist. This 20th-century structure rivals the greatest cathedrals of Europe in scale and ambition. Architect Joseph D'Amato was inspired by the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, which is evident in the building's neoclassical proportions.
Key architectural features of the Rotunda:
The Dome: One of the largest unsupported domes in the world. It stands 75 meters high with a diameter of 27 meters. The visual power of the dome is emphasized by its support on eight concrete columns, skillfully clad in stone.
Sculptural Decor: The facade and interior are adorned with intricate stone carvings performed by local craftsmen. This is a living demonstration that the ancient craft remains alive today.
Integration of Antiquity: Preserved next to the new building is the Sculpture Museum—a pavilion displaying surviving fragments of the old Baroque church (carved cornices, capitals) that was dismantled to build this giant.
Minor Architectural Forms
While walking through Xewkija, it is worth paying attention to the details that shape the town's cozy atmosphere:
Tat-Tmien Kantunieri Windmill: A unique monument of early 18th-century engineering. It is the only windmill on Gozo with an octagonal base. The building's strict geometry demonstrates the utilitarian yet harmonious style of the Knights Hospitaller era.
Niches and Chapels: On the corners of many houses, you can see religious niches with statues of saints—a characteristic feature of Maltese piety. The Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy deserves special attention as an example of modest rural architecture that has survived into the era of major urbanization.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Xewkija
The history of Xewkija is inextricably linked with the people whose work shaped the cultural, spiritual, and architectural character of the town. From ancient times to the present day, these figures have left a significant mark on the heritage of not only the settlement itself but the entire island of Gozo.
Majmuna (12th century) — Historical figure from the era of Arab rule.
A girl from a noble family whose name is immortalized on the famous "Majmuna Stone," found in the vicinity of Xewkija. The marble headstone with exquisite Kufic script dates back to 1174 and is a vital artifact of the Islamic period in the history of the Maltese archipelago.
Pietro Paolo Azzopardi (1760–1855) — Sculptor.
A prominent Maltese master who created the titular statue of St. John the Baptist in 1845. This wooden sculpture is considered a masterpiece of religious art and is the primary object of veneration during the annual town festival (festa), uniting the residents of Xewkija for nearly two centuries.
Joseph D'Amato (1886–1964) — Architect and designer.
The designer of the monumental Xewkija Rotunda. Although not a degree-holding architect, his talent and experience allowed him to design a dome inspired by the Venetian Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. His bold engineering vision forever changed the skyline of Gozo.
Monsignor Teodoro Merceca (1879–1964) — Archpriest and spiritual leader.
The initiator and inspiration behind the construction of the new church. It was his vision and unwavering faith that allowed a small community to begin and complete the grandiose project of building one of the largest churches in Europe. He dedicated his life to fundraising and organizing the work, uniting the townspeople around a common goal.
Rosa Magro (1915–1984) — Writer and educator.
A native of Xewkija who made a significant contribution to Maltese literature and education. She is known for her works reflecting the life and culture of Gozo, as well as her active role in educating local youth in the mid-20th century.
Gianni Pace (born 1946) — Artist and sculptor.
A contemporary master born in Xewkija. Known for his works in terracotta, stone, and wood. His art often addresses social and religious themes, and his work is regularly exhibited both in Malta and abroad, bringing fame to his hometown in the world of art.