Gozitan Villages
Kercem
Population: 1500Nearby: Victoria, Xlendi
Walking the short distance to the south-west from Victoria the capital, lies Kercem. The name ‘Kercem’ was probably derived from a family living there in the 15th century. This village is also very rich in history as the Mixta hills were the first to be inhabited about 7000 years ago.
Kercem’s church was built around 1846-1851 and it was established a parish church in 1885. The church is dedicated to St. Gregory and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Succour. These feast are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday March and on the 2nd Sunday of July.
Kercem has the most beautiful valley of Lunzjata. Lunzjata, a very romantic and fertile valley, is a popular place with those who want to break away from the hectic life. In olden times, Lunzjata valley was used by the Knights for hunting and today it is a very important area for agriculture. Lunzjata also has a number of natural springs and aqueducts, that line up the valley. A chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady is also found at the entrance of Lunzjata.
On the outskirts of Kercem, lies Santa Lucija – Kercem’s older sister. Although with 300 inhabitants out of the 1400 of Kercem’s, Santa Lucija still has an important history. The latter is named after a dedication of an old chapel of St. Lucy built as early as 1657. It served as Kercem’s parish church between 1848 and 1851. The Saint invoked by those who have problems with eye-sights, has many devotees. The people celebrate the feast on the 13th December. The village square is dominated with a typical stone cross in the centre. Although in ruins, this tiny village had its own defensive tower and its own windmill.
If one follows the signs to the Ghadira of San Raflu (Lake of Saint Raflu), it will lead to some high cliffs by the coast with a marvellous view of Xlendi Bay. The scenery is terrific!
Places of Interests:
- Lunzjata Valley
- Parish Church of Kercem
- Lake of St. Raflu
- St. Lucy’s Chapel
Amenities:
- n/a
Restaurants, Snack Bars & Wine Bars:
- Kercem Band Club
Banks:
- n/a
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