Gozitan Villages
Ghajnsielem
Population: 3000Nearby: Xewkija, Victoria
As soon as one enter Mgarr Harbour, one could not help but notice the first Gozitan village that greets you by its welcoming landmarks – Ghajnsielem.
The village derives its name from the freshwater spring of ‘Hain Salem’ which means ‘Spring of Peace’. Around this spring, which dates back to the 1700, Grandmaster Perellos, built an arcade consisting of nine washing basins which were distinguishable in the religious life of Ghajnsielem. Moreover, ‘Ob Fontem Prosparitas’ is the Latin motto of this village, which means ‘Flourishing because of a spring’.
While still aboard the ferry, one can easily see the sharp steeple Lourdes Chapel together with the towering belfry of a majestic Lombard Gothic Sanctuary – Ghajnsielem’s Parish Church which is dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. The feast is held on the last weekend of August. On the left hand side, dominating the high grounds, lies the 18th Century Fort Chambray,which was once unsuccessfully planned to be Gozo’s Valletta.
Another perspective of Fort Chambray, can be seen from the breathtaking bay of Xatt l-Ahmar, secluded within the sights of Chambray’s Guardiola (guard post). Ideal for swimming and diving, this bay has a small number of boat houses which serve as a shelter for some fishermen’s boat during the winter. Moreover, the wreck of the once Malta-Gozo ferryboat ‘Xlendi’ lies in the depth of this location.
In the vicinity of the village centre, one can find the old parish church and the ‘Pjazza tad-Dehra’ (Square of the Apparition). In the latter, it is believed that Our Lady has spoken to a local shepherd Anglu Grech.
This municipality on the southeastern coast of Gozo also includes the peaceful and tranquil island of Comino.
Places of Interests:
- Mgarr Harbour
- Fort Chambray
- Lourdes Chapel
- Lourdes Home
- Sanctuary ‘Our Lady of Loreto’
- St. Anthony’s Church
- Mgarr ix-Xini Tower
- Comino
- Gozo Heritage
- St. Cecilia’s Tower and Chapel
- Xatt l-Ahmar Bay
Amenities:
- Bakery
- Groceries
- Pharmacy
Restaurants, Snack Bars & Wine Bars:
- Rexy Bar and Restaurant
- Cappi
- Country Terrace
- Ghajnsielem Football Club
- Ghajnsielem Band Club
- Grand Hotel
- Pink Floyd
Banks:
- n/a
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