Xewkija Rotunda Restoration Complete for St John Feast
As the sun sets over the picturesque village of Xewkija, the gleaming white dome of the Rotunda church stands tall, a beacon of faith and a symbol of community pride. This year, the villagers have even more reason to celebrate, as the long-awaited restoration works have been completed just in time for the feast of St John the Baptist.
From Dilapidation to Splendour
The story of the Xewkija Rotunda is one of resilience and determination. Built in the 19th century, this magnificent church has weathered the test of time, but years of neglect and harsh Mediterranean weather had taken their toll. The once-proud structure was in dire need of restoration, with crumbling walls and a leaking roof threatening its very existence.
In 2018, the local council, with the support of the government and the Archdiocese of Malta, launched a €1.5 million restoration project. The ambitious plan aimed to not only save the Rotunda but also to restore it to its former glory, preserving an important piece of Malta’s cultural heritage.
Restoration: A Painstaking Process
The restoration process was no easy feat. Workers had to carefully remove the old render and repair the underlying stonework. The roof was completely replaced, and the iconic dome was given a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint. Inside, the ornate decorations were painstakingly restored, and the church’s beautiful marble floor was cleaned and polished to reveal its original glory.
But the restoration was not just about aesthetics. The Rotunda’s structural integrity was also a major concern. Engineers worked tirelessly to strengthen the church’s foundations and ensure that it could withstand future storms and earthquakes. The result is a building that is not just beautiful but also safe and functional.
A Village United
The restoration of the Xewkija Rotunda was not just a physical project; it was also a social one. The local community was deeply involved in the process, with volunteers helping with everything from fundraising to cleaning up the site. The project brought the villagers together, fostering a sense of pride and unity that will long outlast the scaffolding.
Father Joseph Sultana, the parish priest, sums it up perfectly: “The Rotunda is not just a church; it’s the heart of our village. Seeing it restored has been a joyous experience for all of us. It’s more than just a building now; it’s a symbol of our community’s strength and resilience.”
As the feast of St John the Baptist approaches, the villagers of Xewkija can look up at their gleaming Rotunda with pride. The restoration is more than just a success story; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.
