The Underground Flour Mill & Grain Silos in Xlendi will open for an extended period today, Saturday, the 2nd of August, until 11.30pm, to coincide with the Gozo Ceramics Festival [1] taking place today in Xlendi Bay.
About 50 years ago, with the Cold War escalating, it became evident that nuclear conflict in Europe was a possibility. In the event of the lines of communication being cut, the British Colonial Office took a decision to build several underground flour mills in the Maltese islands, which would give the local population at least a staple diet of bread, should other sources of food be denied to them. Of the eight underground mills built, only one was located on Gozo, in the village of Xlendi.
During the years 1954/1955, the Xlendi mill was excavated into the cliffs, situated behind the Mount Carmel church. The excavation was a huge undertaking, which consisted firstly of an entrance tunnel, some 30 meters long, 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, leading into a large chamber. This chamber was divided into three floors and housed the storage, grinding and milling equipment.
At the rear of the mill is the silo, having a storage capacity of approximately 1,000 tons of wheat, and connected to the milling machinery by mechanical augers. An 80hp diesel engine and alternator supplied power. Entrances from above can also access the silo.
Entrance Fee: Adults over 18: €3 Youth from 12 to 17: €2 Students & Senior Citizens: €2 Children from 6 to 11: €1.50 Children under 6: Free.
The normal opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am-3.00pm.