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XEWKIJA ROTUNDA CHURCH - XEWKIJA
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Xewkija is one of the oldest villages of Gozo and took the status of a parish as early as 1678. Years later a parish church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was erected, and was consecrated in 1755.
After the 2nd World War, the parishioners, who are traditionally renowned for their building abilities and craftsmanship on Maltese stone, expressed their wish to construct a new and majestic Parish Church. Architect Joseph D'Amato, much inspired by the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute in Venice, drew the plans. The first stone was laid down in 1951. The old church of St. John was left in place during the work and continued to function as before until the new building was completed. Many donations were offered, and free labour by the people was forthcoming all the time. This enabled the enormous structure to rise higher year by year until in 1978, after twenty years of hard work, the new temple was ready. The year 1978 was the 300th anniversary of the parish and that was another motive for celebration when the Bishop of Gozo performed the ceremony of consecration. As part of the celebrations, the large cross was placed on top of the huge dome on that occasion.
The monumental church is an enormous circular structure in white local limestone. Because of its form it is called The Rotunda. Eight concrete columns covered with stone support its elegant dome, 75 metres high, with a 28 metre diameter, and a circumference of 85 metres. This boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the World. Its weight is calculated to around 45,000 tonnes. The interior is richly decorated with fine sculptures and modern paintings. The floor is in polished Carrara marble and the main altar is also carved in precious marble. The Rotunda of Xewkija is a superb architectural masterpiece that reveals the exquisite texture and the versatility of local limestone.
A short time before the Rotunda was completed, the old church was carefully dismantled, and the best parts of it were delicately rebuilt next to the church. This brilliant idea of saving the old church was of course an uncommon godsend, since the unique masterpieces in stonework of the old church would have otherwise perished. One can visit the remnants of the old church and discover the incredible and delicate "laceworks" on Maltese stone. From the old church, visitors can opt to climb to the Dome by an elevator to enjoy a spectacular view of the island of Gozo and even parts of Malta.
The liturgical feast of St. John the Baptist falls on 24th June, and the external festivities are celebrated on the closest Sunday.
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USEFUL INFORMATION
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How to go: From Victoria Terminus, Bus nos. 42 / 43.
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