Xaghra’s cultural profile ranges from Neolithic sites to a restored 18th-century windmill. Caves, a toy museum and a basilica are also among the diverse themes that shape the town. Those planning a trip focused on history and cultural heritage will find more than one way to explore the past here: archaeological structures and finds sit alongside technology, collections and religious tradition.
Neolithic sites and archaeological finds
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 presentations and a selection of significant Neolithic artefacts from Gozo. An outdoor path connects the centre with the Ġgantija Temples. In this way, interpretation, displayed finds and the structures form distinct parts of the archaeological experience.
Another archaeological site is the Xagħra Circle, a Neolithic burial site 400 metres southwest of Ġgantija. Natural caves there were adapted for the burial of entire generations. The two sites therefore represent different aspects of prehistory: Ġgantija features two structures, while the Xagħra Circle reflects the use of natural caves as a burial site. Ta’ Għejżu Cave adds to the archaeological picture as a site on the Xagħra plateau west of Ġgantija. Pottery fragments from the Ġgantija phase and abundant traces of red ochre were found there.
The remains of the Santa Verna Temple are also among the area’s archaeological evidence. They consist of three upright megaliths northwest of Xagħra. By contrast, Sansuna’s Rock is an irregularly shaped slab of hard coral limestone near Ġnien Imrik, on the outskirts of town. The two descriptions already differ in form: here, the surviving megaliths of a temple; there, a single limestone slab.
Windmill history and collections
Ta’ Kola Windmill is a restored 18th-century windmill. Its surviving features include the original mechanism and the miller’s restored living quarters. The mill also displays tools used by the last miller, along with folk furniture. These illustrate trade, traditions or local folklore. Technology and everyday life can be seen here as two distinct aspects of the mill’s history.
The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys in Xagħra offers a different kind of collection. The private museum was founded in the 1970s by Susan and Edwin Lowe. It displays antique toys and a wax figure of Edward Lear. While the windmill connects tools and furniture with trade and tradition, this museum focuses on toys and a single figure. The two places therefore offer different cultural perspectives, without requiring a shared theme.
Caves, landscape and legend
Ninu’s Cave is on January Street, inside a private home. The cave is known for stalactites and stalagmites, formed by the slow filtering of rainwater through the limestone. Xerri’s Grotto is on a street of the same name, also inside a private home. Since visiting arrangements at private sites can change, it is best to check the arrangements for each cave before visiting.
Calypso Cave overlooks Ramla Bay and is associated with the nymph Calypso in local legend. Gozo’s folklore also tells of Sansuna, a strong giantess who lived on the island long ago and is said to have carried megaliths across Gozo. Fertile valleys and some of Gozo’s best agricultural land shape the landscape around Xagħra. The town’s character thus encompasses not only archaeological and cultural themes but also a landscape shaped by agriculture.
Basilica and festa
The basilica dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in Xagħra’s central square. Every year on 8 September, Xagħra celebrates its festa, “Il-Festa tal-Vittorja”. 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 exact event dates and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Dingli, Pembroke, Bugibba, Mqabba, Qormi, San Lawrenz, Ghammar, Iklin.
For the overview of destinations: Malta.
