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10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2024 CULTURE AS you approach the Ta' Sannat village from the centre of the is- land, you're greeted by a scene of a cluster village arising on a se- ries of terraces like a stepped hill. The road leading to the village is flanked on both sides, with olive trees growing in what feels like a floodplain. This stretch of land, known as Ġnien is-Sultan (The King's Garden), harks at the medieval ages when this area was actually a fief of a noble family. One can- not miss the entrance to the vil- lage heralded by the mega-sized block letters standing right at the main road that leads to the village square. Along this main street, tucked right next to the Local Council offices, stands an old windmill. Coming into the square, you'll notice the 'Salib tad-Dejma', a pedestal with a cross. This structure, also found in other locations around the Maltese islands, dates back to when the towns and villages were pro- tected from the corsairs by lo- cal militia, known as 'id-dejma'. This group of men would meet at the respective cross, ready to intercept the enemy when the alarm was given. The newly re- generated St Margaret's Square, the village's main square, is one of the most charming that Gozo has to offer. The church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch rises atop a parvis, graced by a flight of stairs. The building, in traditional Mal- tese baroque architectural style, has a symmetrical façade and finely crafted stonework typical of many churches in Gozo. The square is a perfect place to stop for coffee or lunch and absorb the tranquil atmosphere under the shade of what many can be regarded as one of the oldest trees on the island. The picturesque scene has not es- caped the gaze of internation- al filmmakers, and in fact, the square has been the backdrop for the 'Madame Blanc Myster- ies', a British television series. On one side of the church, one can still find four old statues of saints that were once on the church parvis. Heavily erod- ed in places yet still outlining the original craftmanship, these statues have a haunting beauty and stand like silent witnesses to Ta' Sannat's long history as they gracefully weather the passage of time. In their own way, these statues seem to point to the story of this village, one which is highly associated with the quarries from which globigerina limestone (franka) was extracted for the building of local houses. These quarries are no longer used and have been transformed into agricultural fields. On the road from Ta' Sannat to the rocky cover of Mġarr ix-Xini, one can still notice two tradi- tional kilns that were used to bake local stone and break it down into lime powder. As you explore the village of Sannat along its main route, you will also find one square marked as Pjazzetta Tax-Xeli- na. The history of this area has been intricately woven with that of the British Empire and World War II. A street adja- cent to this square was severely hit during a World War II air raid when two German bombers dropped bombs on the village as they tried to flee the English Spitfires that flew out to defend the island. The fateful event left 18 dead, many wounded and a trail of demolished and damaged houses. Later on, in 1951, Queen Eliz- abeth II visited the village's lace house, which stands in this square and in the nearby vicinity of what many consider an au- thentic and old-style village bar serving traditional home-cooked dishes. Ta' Sannat is one of the more rural villages, and the country- side is always on the doorstep. Areas such as Ta' Ċenċ, Ta' Saguna, and Tal-Bardan are a must-visit for visitors seeking open spaces. Located on the vil- lage's outskirts, key hiking trails skirt the dramatic limestone cliffs, offering magnificent vistas that change with the season, the weather, and the time of day. Along the trail, you will stum- ble upon diverse wildlife and endemic plants. Beyond the ecological fascination, these ar- eas are perfect for outdoor en- thusiasts and those who seek inspiration and tranquillity. This is the ideal spot for quiet reflec- tion, where the only sounds that break the silence are the faint hum of insects or the sharp calls of birds. Exploring Ta' Ċenċ is like walking through an open history book where scattered megaliths and cart-ruts infuse both leg- ends and mystery. The mega- liths referred to as Dolmens and Menhir are still perfectly visible. Standing still since time imme- morial, along with the Bronze Age temple remains, they can- not but raise questions about the significance of this area in pre- historic times. On the rocky ground, you might be astounded to notice parallel tracks or chan- nels running through the stone. Referred to as cart ruts by history books, these tracks akin to train tracks have haunted scholars and conspiracy theorists alike. The meandering and narrow road to Mġarr ix-Xini Bay is another interesting route. The chasm of Mġarr ix-Xini Valley sports Gozo's old water pump- ing station, and once you reach the cove at the end of the road, you're again in a film setting. Here, Angelina Jolie filmed 'By the Sea' in 2014, capturing the picturesque coastal views. Mġarr ix-Xini is a favourite swimming, snorkelling, and even diving spot and is renowned for its marine life. Ta' Sannat is essentially a country village, and staying in this typical Gozitan village has its charms. You'll be pleasantly surprised that in Ta' Sannat, you have a variety of accommoda- tion options, from self-catering apartments and farmhouses to several B&Bs and even a 5-star hotel! Exploring Sannat: A village of countryside, cliffs, culture and even cinematic charm