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9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 2 AUGUST 2024 CULTURE The Xewkija Windmill Heralding all visitors at the crossroads, the Xewkija windmill is a landmark to all who visit the island of Gozo and not just Xewk- ija. The recently restored Xewkija windmill is open to visitors and must be one of the landmarks topping the list of what to see in Xewkija. Uniquely shaped as an octagonal struc- ture, the windmill also features an oven, that served for baking bread in times gone by. Bakeries, vintage grocery store and more Being one of the older villages on the island, Xewkija still preserves some older bakeries. While some are more notorious than others and are sought out by visitors who tour the village, others are still tucked away in the village's backstreets. One particular old-style grocery store still sporting its well-preserved vintage sign still serves the community's needs in one of the older streets. Xewkija is also known for the stone dé- cor visible in the houses. The stone sculptures adorning the ro- tunda are the work of one of the local families. You might be lucky to notice one of the stone sculpture masters at work in a workshop that is a stone's throw away from the windmill. Country life Away from the village core, Xewkija is a village that knows its roots in country life. Typical farmhouses and horse stables are scattered at the village's periphery. From here, it is easy to follow paths that lead to rural scenes and coastal views. On the edge of the village of Xewkija, you will also find the medieval chapel of Santa Cecilia, considered to be the oldest chapel in Gozo. Don't miss out on this, as it is another landmark of what to see in Xewkija. Mgarr ix-Xini bay and tower One particular road leads to the valley and the bay of Mġarr ix-Xini, a quaint bay guarded by a coastal tower. You can hike down to this place or be prepared to drive down a narrow and steep country road to reach the bay. The bay and the surrounding waters are also a favourite diving spot. Mġarr ix-Xini Bay became very famous when Angelina Jolie filmed her production 'By the Sea' at this inlet, definitely, another spot to visit in Xewkija. Xewkija