Xewkija Rotunda: A Beacon of Faith and Community

As the sun set over the picturesque village of Xewkija, the gleaming white dome of the Rotunda church stood out like a beacon, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the local community. After years of meticulous restoration, the iconic church was finally ready to welcome its parishioners and visitors in all its glory, just in time for the feast of St John the Baptist.

From Dereliction to Resplendence

The story of the Xewkija Rotunda is one of resilience and community spirit. Once a symbol of neglect, the church, built in the 19th century, had fallen into disrepair over the years. Its once vibrant interior was dimmed by peeling paint and crumbling walls, while its exterior bore the brunt of Malta’s harsh sun and salt-laden sea breeze. But the villagers of Xewkija refused to let their beloved church crumble into oblivion.

In 2017, the restoration project began, led by the Xewkija Rotunda Restoration Committee. With the support of the government, local businesses, and the Archdiocese of Malta, the committee set out to restore the church to its former glory. The project was no small feat. It involved meticulous work, from restoring the intricate marble altars to cleaning and conserving the church’s stunning frescoes, many of which date back to the 18th century.

A Feat of Engineering and Artistry

The Rotunda’s dome, a marvel of Maltese Baroque architecture, presented a unique challenge. Standing at 65 meters high, it’s the third largest unsupported dome in the world. The restoration team had to reinforce the dome’s structure, ensuring it could withstand Malta’s earthquakes and harsh weather conditions. They also had to clean the dome’s interior, revealing the beautiful artwork that had been hidden under layers of grime and soot for centuries.

But the Rotunda’s restoration was more than just a feat of engineering. It was a celebration of Maltese artistry. The church’s interior was adorned with beautiful frescoes by some of Malta’s most renowned artists, including Mattia Preti and Antonio Manuele. Each fresco was carefully cleaned and conserved, revealing the vibrant colors and intricate details that had been obscured by time.

Ready for the Feast

The restoration of the Xewkija Rotunda was completed just in time for the village’s annual feast of St John the Baptist, held on the 24th of June. The feast, a highlight of Malta’s religious calendar, sees the village come alive with processions, fireworks, and traditional Għana music. This year, the celebrations were made all the more special by the Rotunda’s restored grandeur.

Father Victor Grech, the parish priest of Xewkija, expressed his joy at the completion of the project. “The Rotunda is not just a church,” he said, “It’s a symbol of our village, our history, and our faith. We’re thrilled that it’s been restored to its former glory, just in time for the feast.”

The restoration of the Xewkija Rotunda is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. It’s a story of resilience, artistry, and faith, one that will continue to inspire the villagers of Xewkija and visitors alike for generations to come.