Xagħra (Maltese: Ix-Xagħra) is an administrative unit of Malta, on the island of Gozo. It is one of the earliest inhabited parts of Gozo, being home to the Ġgantija megalithic temples, which date back to the year 3600BC, and the Xagħra Stone Circle. Natural underground features such as Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Cave are located in this town, along with Calypso's Cave which overlooks the red sandy beach of Ramla. It is the second largest town in Gozo, having a population of 5,161 inhabitants, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, and is situated to the north-east of the Gozo capital Victoria.
Xagħra
Ix-Xagħra Caccia, Sciara | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
 Xagħra, in Gozo | |
| Coordinates: 36°3′1″N 14°16′3″E / 36.05028°N 14.26750°E | |
| Country |  Malta |
| Region |  Gozo Region |
| District | Gozo and Comino District |
| Borders | Nadur, Victoria, Xewkija, Żebbuġ |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Dr Christian Zammit (PL) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.6 km2 (2.9 sq mi) |
| Population (March 2014) | |
| • Total | 4,886 |
| • Density | 640/km2 (1,700/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Xagħri (m), Xagħrija (f), Xagħrin (pl/n) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | XRA |
| Dialing code | 356 |
| ISO 3166 code | MT-61 |
| Patron saint | Our Lady of Victories |
| Day of festa | 8 September |
| Website | Official website |
Xagħra is a popular tourist attraction, in view of its historical heritage, lively Victory Square, and the thousands who flock to Ramla Bay in summer and to the temples all year round.
During the British period, Xagħra was also known as Casal Caccia.[1]
Twin towns – sister cities
editNotable People born here
edit- Sarah Bonnici - Pop Singer, Dancer
- Offida, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
References
edit- ^ Proud, Edward B. (1999). The Postal History of Malta. Heathfield: Proud-Bailey Co. Ltd. p. 256. ISBN 1872465315.
- ^ "Twinning". localgovernment.gov.mt. Government of Malta. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
External links
edit
- Official Website Archived 5 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- Xaghra Parish
- Xaghra United FC
- Xaghra Scouts
- Gozoimages.com Xaghra page