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MUNXAR
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 A swift after-sunsets ten-minute walk southwest of the capital Victoria takes you to the outskirts of a tiny Gozitan village of Munxar. Wedged between the sloping sides of two parallel valleys Munxar offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Gozo. The name Munxar is old Maltese meaning 'bucksaw'. The name most probably originated from the spectacular imagery of zigzaged cliff faces from the Bardan Heights nearby. Munxar is also caressed by the beautiful Ghancija valley on the Munxar side. This valley forks into Xlendi valley which is on the Fontana side, with both valleys joining together to finally end up in the popular Xlendi Bay.
 The name is first recorded as 'il monxar' in a notarial deed of July 2, 1584. It grew up from a few residing families to a present population nearing 700 people, making Munxar a closely-knit village community. Throughout the years, Munxar has always retained exclusive features and village traditions. An eminent son of this village was Professor Joseph Aquilina - a name synonymous to our native language. Born in Munxar on April 7, 1911, Professor Aquilina read between 1937 and 1940 a "Comparative Semitic Philology" at the University of London where he obtained a doctorate. Among the prominent posts which Profs. Aquilina held were; a full time professor at the University of Malta, and that of Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Author of numerous works, including novels, critical studies, drama, linguistic papers and religious books, Professor Aquilina has also published his monumental 'Maltese-English Dictionary'. Indeed an achievement that honours his birthplace.
Also worth mentioning are the remnants of a prehistoric temple at Ta' Marziena in Munxar. However, although these temples date approximately to the Ggantija period, they were not as appropriately excavated and could not be appreciated by anyone less than an archaeological expert.
Close by to this village, there is Xlendi Bay, a popular tourist resort engulfed in a fjord like inlet amongst high cliffs. Xlendi bay is a small fishing village, but is also an ideal bathing and diving resort especially in summer. Otherwise foreigners and locals could gaze spell bound admiring late spring and early autumn sunsets that adorn the waters with gilded streaks described only by poets and often captured by artists or keen photographers.
 The parish church, a small baroque temple built from the typical Maltese stone, is dedicated to St. Paul. It was built between 1914 and 1925 and was consecrated on 18 October 1925. Bishop Joseph Pace established it as a parish church on 12th December 1957. As a result, Munxar was the last village in Gozo to become an autonomous parish. The feast officially falls on the 10th of February which is also a national public holiday; however the outside festivities are celebrated on the third Sunday of each May.
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USEFUL INFORMATION
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How to go: From Victoria Terminus, Bus no. 50
Interesting Features:
1. Xlendi Valley viewpoint
2. Bardan Heights (view from high cliffs)
3. Road access to Xlendi Bay and Fishing Village
4. Parish Church dedicated to St. Paul
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