Kerċem brings together a cave church in the Il-Lunzjata Valley, layers of archaeological history, church art and views of Xlendi Bay. Its local points of interest range from finds dating to the Għar-Dalam phase to church buildings that were expanded in the 20th century. Culture, landscape and festival dates each give the village a different focus.
Cave Church and Archaeological Traces
The Chapel of the Annunciation, also known as the Lunzjata Chapel, is a small Roman Catholic church built into a cave in the Il-Lunzjata Valley. Wied il-Lunzjata has unique habitats and micro-ecosystems; this distinction refers to the valley. The chapel and valley therefore represent two different aspects of the same landscape: a religious building in a cave and an area with special habitats.
Għar Gerduf is a Roman burial site dating from the 3rd or 4th century, in Wied Lunzjata within Kerċem. It is the only late Roman and Byzantine catacomb on Gozo whose exact location is known and which remains visible. Do not plan the site as a publicly accessible attraction; check in advance whether a visit is possible.
A much earlier archaeological layer can be found at Tal-Mixta, where remains from the Għar-Dalam phase, dating from 5000 to 4500 BC, were discovered. Comparing it with Għar Gerduf makes the time span of the surviving finds tangible—from prehistory to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Churches and Their History
The parish church of Ta' Kerċem is the only church on Gozo dedicated jointly to two saints. It was expanded between 1906 and 1910. Another specific detail is the main altarpiece: it dates from 1854 and is by Salvatore Busuttil. It depicts Saint Gregory interceding with the Virgin on behalf of those affected by the plague. The dedication, structural changes and subject of the painting offer different insights into the church’s history.
Santa Luċija also has its own chronology. The church was first mentioned in 1575, completely rebuilt in the 1790s and expanded in 1950. Santa Luċija is officially part of Ta’ Kerċem and has a rustic church square. The early mention and later renovations mark different stages in its history, while the church square further characterizes the village.
Routes, Valley and Views
The road running parallel to the church leads to Ta’ Klula. From there, there are views of Xlendi Bay and its cliffs. Kerċem thus offers two distinct landscape perspectives: the valley of Wied il-Lunzjata and the view from Ta’ Klula across the bay and coastal cliffs.
From Kerċem, hikers and cyclists can reach Dwejra Bay. This route complements the local cultural and landscape attractions with an opportunity to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. The named places and routes offer further practical guidance: Ta’ Klula can be reached via the road running parallel to the church, while the route to Dwejra Bay is described for hikers and cyclists.
Feast Days and Dates
The feast of Saint Gregory the Great is celebrated on the second weekend in March; the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help takes place on the second weekend in July. The exact calendar dates change from year to year, so check the dates for each feast before travelling. The feast of Saint Luċija is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 13 December.
Another event is the annual Għadira Festival in the countryside around San Rafflu. It features traditional music, food, drinks, pony rides and competitions. Dates and programmes may vary; check the details before making plans. The different feast periods in March, July and December can be taken into account when planning a trip, while the Għadira Festival, with its listed programme, offers a distinct event focus.
Discover more destinations: Santa Venera, Żurrieq, Paola, Ghanjsielem, San Ġwann, Għargħur, Pembroke, St. Julians.
For the broader travel overview: Malta.
