Xewkija

Xewkija occupies a privileged position in Gozo's landscape — both geographically and historically. As the island's oldest village outside Victoria, it sits on a plateau that has been inhabited for millennia, with the imposing Rotunda of St. John the Baptist serving as a beacon visible from nearly every corner of Gozo. The church's dome, measuring 74 metres in diameter, is not just an architectural marvel — it's the third-largest unsupported dome in Europe, a source of genuine pride for locals who will happily point out it exceeds St. Peter's Basilica in width.

Life in Xewkija moves at the traditional Gozitan pace. The village core is a network of narrow streets winding around the church square, lined with stone houses whose characteristic wooden balconies and internal courtyards reflect centuries of architectural evolution. Unlike the coastal villages that have seen rapid tourist development, Xewkija has maintained its agricultural identity. The surrounding fields produce grapes for local wine, vegetables, and fruit — the rural economy that sustained the village long before tourism arrived.

Property in Xewkija represents some of the best value available in Gozo. The village has avoided the premium pricing of Victoria and the coastal resorts, yet offers the same authentic stone houses and quality of life. Traditional townhouses with original arches, ceiling beams, and courtyards can still be found at prices that seem improbable by Maltese standards. The strategic location is part of the appeal — Victoria is a five-minute drive, Mgarr ferry terminal is ten minutes, and Ramla Bay's famous red sand is fifteen minutes away.

The village's history is tangible. Xewkija is believed to be the first settlement established outside Victoria after the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta, and its name derives from the Maltese word for the thorny bushes that once covered the plateau. The Rotunda itself, completed in 1976 after 24 years of construction, replaced an earlier church on the same site. The building project was a community effort — local farmers donated stones from their fields, and the entire village contributed to what remains the centre of community life today.

For buyers seeking authentic Gozo at accessible prices, Xewkija offers a compelling combination. The village has full amenities, a strong sense of community, and proximity to everything Gozo offers — from the ferry terminal to the island's best beaches. The dome dominates the skyline, church bells mark the hours, and the surrounding countryside provides a rural backdrop that feels increasingly rare in the Mediterranean.