The unique 18th century Xewkija windmill, the oldest surviving windmill in Gozo, is nearing the end of a much needed facelift. The Planning Commission approved restoration works on this historic building back in August 2017.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, has said that the the wooden crown and the arm for the sails of the Xewkija windmill are now being installed.

All this work has been carried out through the assistance of the European Fund for Regional Development, and the skilled work of Government carpenters within the Ministry for Gozo, he said.

The Minister concluded by saying that “in the next few weeks this project will also be concluded and we will have another attraction of restored historical heritage to be enjoyed by the public.”

The windmill was commissioned by Grand Master Perellos in the beginning of the 18th century, it is the only windmill that has the tower based on an octagonal base.The project includes the creation of a small piazza area around the Grade 1 scheduled building, therefore improving the viewing experience and accessibility of the Xewkija Windmill.

.New public convenience facilities have also been constructed adjacent to the windmill.

The windmill’s mechanism has been reconstructed and conservation works included the removal of metallic inserts and cement renders, the replacement of the windmill’s concrete roof with traditional stone slabs and the cleaning of the stone.

The windmill consists of a large entrance hall, two large parallel rooms, and a kitchen at the back and started operating in 1710 by miller Ganni Scicluna. In the middle there is the garigor leading up to the roof of the tower. Above the entrance hall is a birth room.

The windmill, in 1956, served as the first location of the Xewkija Band Club. It was used by the band club’s committee until 1965. Since then the windmill had remained empty and unused.

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