Graziella & Venera’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Some of the megaliths of the Ġgantija Temples exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons. Giants were believed to have constructed these prehistoric temples and that is from where their name originates. Certainly, these ancient structures represent a phenomenal cultural, artistic and technological development in a very early period in human life.
Consisting of two temples which date back to between 3600 and 3200 BC, the Ġgantija Temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is considered as one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Notwithstanding their age, the temples survive in a considerably good state of preservation. This is noticeable in the boundary wall that encloses the two temples, and which is built in rough Coralline Limestone blocks. The hard-wearing Coralline Limestone is used extensively at Ġgantija, and is one of the reasons behind the preservation of the monument. The softer Globigerina Limestone was reserved for inner furnishings, such as doorways, altars and decorative slabs.
Each temple consists of a number of apses flanking a central corridor. There is evidence of the internal walls having been plastered and painted over, as proven by two plaster fragments with red ochre, now on display at the Ġgantija Temples Interpretation Centre.
Remains of animal bone discovered in this site suggest communal rituals and feasting. The use of fire is shown by the presence of stone hearths. A number of libation holes in the floor may have been used for the pouring of liquid offerings. It is probable that during ceremonial activities, the congregation would have assembled outside the temple complex, since the large forecourt in front of the two temples was purposely raised by the same temple builders.
Entrance to the Ġgantija Temples is from a newly constructed Interpretation Centre that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore various aspects related to life in the Neolithic Period. The centre is also home to a selection of the most significant finds discovered at various prehistoric sites in Gozo.
Ggantija Temples ENTRANCE
Some of the megaliths of the Ġgantija Temples exceed five metres in length and weigh over fifty tons. Giants were believed to have constructed these prehistoric temples and that is from where their name originates. Certainly, these ancient structures represent a phenomenal cultural, artistic and technological development in a very early period in human life.
Consisting of two temples which date back to between 3600 and 3200 BC, the Ġgantija Temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is considered as one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Notwithstanding their age, the temples survive in a considerably good state of preservation. This is noticeable in the boundary wall that encloses the two temples, and which is built in rough Coralline Limestone blocks. The hard-wearing Coralline Limestone is used extensively at Ġgantija, and is one of the reasons behind the preservation of the monument. The softer Globigerina Limestone was reserved for inner furnishings, such as doorways, altars and decorative slabs.
Each temple consists of a number of apses flanking a central corridor. There is evidence of the internal walls having been plastered and painted over, as proven by two plaster fragments with red ochre, now on display at the Ġgantija Temples Interpretation Centre.
Remains of animal bone discovered in this site suggest communal rituals and feasting. The use of fire is shown by the presence of stone hearths. A number of libation holes in the floor may have been used for the pouring of liquid offerings. It is probable that during ceremonial activities, the congregation would have assembled outside the temple complex, since the large forecourt in front of the two temples was purposely raised by the same temple builders.
Entrance to the Ġgantija Temples is from a newly constructed Interpretation Centre that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore various aspects related to life in the Neolithic Period. The centre is also home to a selection of the most significant finds discovered at various prehistoric sites in Gozo.
This is Gozo’s, and arguably Malta’s, best beach. A wide stretch of red sand, it is often referred to locally as “Ramla il-Ħamra” – the Red Sandy Beach! Ramla is a wonderful place to swim, snorkel and chill out in the sun.
The area around the beach is wonderfully undeveloped, although there are a couple of cafes and a stall set back from the beach. The sand dunes are protected and the valley leading down to the bay is green and fertile. The terraced walls built by the farmers give the valley an appearance of a quilt when viewed from surrounding high ground.
There is myth and history here too. Roman remains to lie beneath the sands and Ramla Bay is reached from ix-Xagħra, on one of the hills overlooking the valley, or from the village of in-Nadur.
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Ramla Bay Strand
This is Gozo’s, and arguably Malta’s, best beach. A wide stretch of red sand, it is often referred to locally as “Ramla il-Ħamra” – the Red Sandy Beach! Ramla is a wonderful place to swim, snorkel and chill out in the sun.
The area around the beach is wonderfully undeveloped, although there are a couple of cafes and a stall set back from the beach. The sand dunes are protected and the valley leading down to the bay is green and fertile. The terraced walls built by the farmers give the valley an appearance of a quilt when viewed from surrounding high ground.
There is myth and history here too. Roman remains to lie beneath the sands and Ramla Bay is reached from ix-Xagħra, on one of the hills overlooking the valley, or from the village of in-Nadur.
Hidden beneath an ordinary home in a street that bears the cave’s name in ix-Xagħra, is a small cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was discovered in 1924 by the current owners’ grandfather while he was digging a well. It is illuminated by electric lights so that visitors can see the rock formations.
Entry is via a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft (so not sutable for anyone with vertigo, mobility problems or a large girth). In the cave you take a circular tour of about 30m past some very pretty calcified formations 25 cm to a metre tall. There are also some interesting formations, which have developed as a result of calcification of tree roots. The visitor will be shown speleothems (stalactites/stalagmites) resembling a tortoise, a vulture, a giraffe and a pair of elephant’s ears. The cave was extended during the Second World War when the family used the cave as an air raid shelter.
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Xerri's Grotto
Hidden beneath an ordinary home in a street that bears the cave’s name in ix-Xagħra, is a small cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was discovered in 1924 by the current owners’ grandfather while he was digging a well. It is illuminated by electric lights so that visitors can see the rock formations.
Entry is via a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft (so not sutable for anyone with vertigo, mobility problems or a large girth). In the cave you take a circular tour of about 30m past some very pretty calcified formations 25 cm to a metre tall. There are also some interesting formations, which have developed as a result of calcification of tree roots. The visitor will be shown speleothems (stalactites/stalagmites) resembling a tortoise, a vulture, a giraffe and a pair of elephant’s ears. The cave was extended during the Second World War when the family used the cave as an air raid shelter.
Xaghra has a beautiful parish church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, locally known as Il-Vitorja, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Victories, as it was on 8 September 1565, Mary’s birthday, that the Knights and the Maltese succeeded to overcome a much larger Turkish army and to free Malta and southern Europe from the Islamic onslaughter.
The parish of Xaghra was established by Bishop Cocco-Palmeri on 28 April 1688. The parish was originally sited in the chapel of Saint Antony Abbot in the same village. The present church, like many others, grew over and around an older building first recorded late in the seventeenth century. The foundation stone of the present structure was laid on 2 October 1815. It was consecrated on 26 May 1878 and was raised to Archipresbyteral status on 11 March 1893. The fourth Collegiate of Gozo was established at Xaghra on 17 March 1900. The title of Basilica was conferred on the parish on 26 August 1967.
The church is covered with marble throughout, but its main attraction is a beautiful statue of the young Virgin Mary, il-Bambina, brought from Marseilles in 1878.
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Xaghra Parish Church
Triq Il KnisjaXaghra has a beautiful parish church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, locally known as Il-Vitorja, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Victories, as it was on 8 September 1565, Mary’s birthday, that the Knights and the Maltese succeeded to overcome a much larger Turkish army and to free Malta and southern Europe from the Islamic onslaughter.
The parish of Xaghra was established by Bishop Cocco-Palmeri on 28 April 1688. The parish was originally sited in the chapel of Saint Antony Abbot in the same village. The present church, like many others, grew over and around an older building first recorded late in the seventeenth century. The foundation stone of the present structure was laid on 2 October 1815. It was consecrated on 26 May 1878 and was raised to Archipresbyteral status on 11 March 1893. The fourth Collegiate of Gozo was established at Xaghra on 17 March 1900. The title of Basilica was conferred on the parish on 26 August 1967.
The church is covered with marble throughout, but its main attraction is a beautiful statue of the young Virgin Mary, il-Bambina, brought from Marseilles in 1878.
Ta' Kola Windmill in Xaghra, Gozo, is one of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands dating back to the Knights' Period. Its origins go back to 1725 during the magistracy of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena (1722-36). Nowadays, the windmill houses one of the largest known collections of tools, some of which were manufactured by the last miller who lived inside the mill. The site offers a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the locals during the past centuries.
20 lokale anbefaler
Ta' Kola Windmill
Il BambinaTa' Kola Windmill in Xaghra, Gozo, is one of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands dating back to the Knights' Period. Its origins go back to 1725 during the magistracy of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena (1722-36). Nowadays, the windmill houses one of the largest known collections of tools, some of which were manufactured by the last miller who lived inside the mill. The site offers a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the locals during the past centuries.
To the rear of an ordinary house at No 15 January Street, ix-Xagħra is this natural cave discovered in 1888 by local resident Joseph Rapa. The cave, now well illuminated by electric lights, is remarkable for its plethora of natural stalactites and stalagmites.
The cave is entered via a 4m descent down a flight of steps, which ends in a large chamber approximately 20 m by 8m. The calcification of water dripping from the cave ceiling has formed a forest of magnificent columns. There are even a few helictites (curved stalectites). Most of the formations are now dry and the same colour as the surrounding rock but some remain semitransparent and it is possible to see the rings formed as they grew.
36 lokale anbefaler
Ninu's Cave
Triq JannarTo the rear of an ordinary house at No 15 January Street, ix-Xagħra is this natural cave discovered in 1888 by local resident Joseph Rapa. The cave, now well illuminated by electric lights, is remarkable for its plethora of natural stalactites and stalagmites.
The cave is entered via a 4m descent down a flight of steps, which ends in a large chamber approximately 20 m by 8m. The calcification of water dripping from the cave ceiling has formed a forest of magnificent columns. There are even a few helictites (curved stalectites). Most of the formations are now dry and the same colour as the surrounding rock but some remain semitransparent and it is possible to see the rings formed as they grew.
This small privately owned museum in Xagħra Gozo was originally set up by Susan Lowe in Devon, England in the 1970's. It started with one doll and today it boasts toys from all around the world. The name Pomzkizillious comes from Edward Lear who made up this word to describe the coastal scenery of Gozo while visiting the Island in 1866. (Edward Lear is a world famous illustrator of natural history books, writer & illustrator of children's verse and a landscape painter who visited Malta on many occasions).
The earliest objects on display are a late 18th century Maltese Doll with carved wooden head and some Italian Presepio and figurines dating from 1790's. Among other attractions there is a 1930's Noah's Ark, a "Hornby" Train Set and Edwin's "Dinky" vehicles, a pressed paper "Hunting Scene" & "Zoo" which have survived over 100 years and a set of soldiers made in the 1970's but dressed in the uniform of the Swedish Army in 1700's. A scarce set of unmarked Lead Cricketers and other lead toys including Zoo & Farm Animals, Cowboys & Indians, Aeroplanes, Ships & Soldiers and an Ambulance Set about 1890's are also on display. One can also see some optical toys, 1790's dolls, soft toys made by Steiff, Lenci and Kathe Kruse, and a few clockwork tin toys from the 1920/30's (Schuco & Lehmann).
10 lokale anbefaler
The Museum of Toys
Triq Gnien XiblaThis small privately owned museum in Xagħra Gozo was originally set up by Susan Lowe in Devon, England in the 1970's. It started with one doll and today it boasts toys from all around the world. The name Pomzkizillious comes from Edward Lear who made up this word to describe the coastal scenery of Gozo while visiting the Island in 1866. (Edward Lear is a world famous illustrator of natural history books, writer & illustrator of children's verse and a landscape painter who visited Malta on many occasions).
The earliest objects on display are a late 18th century Maltese Doll with carved wooden head and some Italian Presepio and figurines dating from 1790's. Among other attractions there is a 1930's Noah's Ark, a "Hornby" Train Set and Edwin's "Dinky" vehicles, a pressed paper "Hunting Scene" & "Zoo" which have survived over 100 years and a set of soldiers made in the 1970's but dressed in the uniform of the Swedish Army in 1700's. A scarce set of unmarked Lead Cricketers and other lead toys including Zoo & Farm Animals, Cowboys & Indians, Aeroplanes, Ships & Soldiers and an Ambulance Set about 1890's are also on display. One can also see some optical toys, 1790's dolls, soft toys made by Steiff, Lenci and Kathe Kruse, and a few clockwork tin toys from the 1920/30's (Schuco & Lehmann).
Deep Med freediving was established out of our nostalgic love for breath-holding and underwater play. We are dedicated to teaching freediving under the Molchanovs education system. We offer coaching to certified and experienced freedivers who wish to train specific skills as well as exciting excursions around Malta & Gozo. We are located on the island of Gozo, just a stone-throws away from Comino island which boasts some magnificent wrecks and caves system. Fabrice is your instructor and guide. He has been freediving for several years and has been coached by some of the worlds best. Eager to learn new training concepts and better ways to understand the art of freediving, he is continuously seeking how to improve his coaching skills.
Deep Med
Triq Ta GhonqaDeep Med freediving was established out of our nostalgic love for breath-holding and underwater play. We are dedicated to teaching freediving under the Molchanovs education system. We offer coaching to certified and experienced freedivers who wish to train specific skills as well as exciting excursions around Malta & Gozo. We are located on the island of Gozo, just a stone-throws away from Comino island which boasts some magnificent wrecks and caves system. Fabrice is your instructor and guide. He has been freediving for several years and has been coached by some of the worlds best. Eager to learn new training concepts and better ways to understand the art of freediving, he is continuously seeking how to improve his coaching skills.
The premium in horse back riding and carriage tours in the breath taking Island of Gozo. Specializing in Horse Back Riding Tours, Weddings, Carriage tours and other Special Events. Our Horse Back Riding tours start from the quiet village of Xaghra and go through the pictoresc village of Marsalforn, where scenes of the sea side and the country side blend into a breath taking tour making it a very unique experience. We will make this a wonderful experience, that you will surely remember!
Lino's Stables
The premium in horse back riding and carriage tours in the breath taking Island of Gozo. Specializing in Horse Back Riding Tours, Weddings, Carriage tours and other Special Events. Our Horse Back Riding tours start from the quiet village of Xaghra and go through the pictoresc village of Marsalforn, where scenes of the sea side and the country side blend into a breath taking tour making it a very unique experience. We will make this a wonderful experience, that you will surely remember!
Food scene
Ta’ Mena Estate is the first agri-tourism complex in the Maltese Islands. This estate offers an experience with a difference where our guests will be in touch with nature and tradition, enjoying typical foods, wines and liqueurs with a touch of the Mediterranean sunshine.At Ta’ Mena we produce typical Gozitan products, making use of traditional recipes which were passed over to us by our forefathers. These include the very popular Sun- dried Sweet Tomato Paste (Kunserva Helwa), Pickled Onions, Olives in Oil, Wild Capers in Vinegar, Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, various liqueurs and dessert wines and Gozo Peppered Cheese-lets amongst others.We at Ta’ Mena Estate grow our own grapes to produce great wines with a particular Gozitan character. We are proud that ten of our blends have been certified as GOZO D.O.K. Wines (Certified Denomination of Origin) which is the highest wine certification for Maltese wines. We also have two I.G.T. wines which certify that they have been produced from Gozo grown grapes.Therefore when you are visiting Gozo come and visit us at Ta’ Mena Estate for free wine and food tastings. We promise that you will not be disappointed!
17 lokale anbefaler
Ta Mena Estate
Ta’ Mena Estate is the first agri-tourism complex in the Maltese Islands. This estate offers an experience with a difference where our guests will be in touch with nature and tradition, enjoying typical foods, wines and liqueurs with a touch of the Mediterranean sunshine.At Ta’ Mena we produce typical Gozitan products, making use of traditional recipes which were passed over to us by our forefathers. These include the very popular Sun- dried Sweet Tomato Paste (Kunserva Helwa), Pickled Onions, Olives in Oil, Wild Capers in Vinegar, Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, various liqueurs and dessert wines and Gozo Peppered Cheese-lets amongst others.We at Ta’ Mena Estate grow our own grapes to produce great wines with a particular Gozitan character. We are proud that ten of our blends have been certified as GOZO D.O.K. Wines (Certified Denomination of Origin) which is the highest wine certification for Maltese wines. We also have two I.G.T. wines which certify that they have been produced from Gozo grown grapes.Therefore when you are visiting Gozo come and visit us at Ta’ Mena Estate for free wine and food tastings. We promise that you will not be disappointed!