Oldest Gozo windmill to be restored

The Planning Commission has approved restoration works on the oldest surviving windmill in Gozo, the Xewkija Windmill.

The conservation works will include 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’s mechanism will also be reconstructed.

According to the Planning Authority, the works will be carried out in accordance with an approved restoration method statement and monitored by the Planning Authority’s conservation officers.

The restoration method statement has been endorsed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

The project aims also to improve the viewing experience and accessibility of the Xewkija Windmill, and will see the creation of a small piazza area around the Grade 1 scheduled building.

Additionally, new public convenience facilities will be constructed adjacent to the windmill.

Commissioned by Grand Master Perellos in the beginning of the 18th century, the Xewkija Windmill is the only windmill that has the tower based on an octagonal base. Starting operating in 1710 by miller Ganni Scicluna, it consists of a large entrance hall, two large parallel rooms, and a kitchen at the back. In the middle there is the spiral staircase leading up to the roof of the tower. Above the entrance hall is a birth room.

In 1956, the windmill served as the first location of the Xewkija Band Club. The band club’s committee used this site until 1965. Since then the windmill has remained empty and unused.