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Latest Xewkija hotel reviews
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One of the most beautiful works of the old church is the apse representing the Adoration of the "Lamb" according to St John's Apocalypse.
The main paintings is attributed to Mattia Preti or to one of his students, while the two lateral paintings were made by the Maltese artist
Francesco Zahra and represents the announcement of the Birth of St John the Baptist and Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
Others works from the old church presented are the sculptured tabernacle, the paintings with carved frames, the stone altar or the wooden bust of Jesus of Nazareth carved by Mariano Gerada.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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A short time before the Rotunda was completed, the old church was carefully dismantled, and the best parts of it were delicately rebuilt next to the church.
The initial idea was to demolish the old church so that the people could use the new Rotunda. But these fantastic works of art couldn't be lost.
The museum gives everyone the occasion to discover the incredible and delicate "laceworks" on Maltese stone.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Each of the side chapels of the Rotunda is decorated with beautiful paintings made by Chev. Paul Camilleri Cauchi.
Among these paintings we can count: The Vision of Zachariah, The Birth of St John, St John Preaching "Behold the Lamb of God" or The beheading of St John.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Symmetrical to the above described Altar of the Blessed Sacrament, on the right side of the Main Altar is another beautiful chapel.
The main piece of the chapel no.4 is the Baptismal font dating from 1740.
Above the font is a picture of St. John baptizing Jesus Christ.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Located on the left side of the church, looking the Main Altar, the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament is dating from the 17th century.
Its main attraction is the tabernacle, which once belonged to Mdina Cathedral and was donated to the church by the Bishop M.G. Molina on the erection of the parish in 1678.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Rotunda's Main Altar was carved in Carrara marble at the Ceccotti Factory in Italy.
In the center of the altar is the Immaculate Lamb with angels on each side and surrounded in the corners by the four Evangelists made of bronze.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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As in the case of the homonym Rotunda of Mosta, the impressive dome is the one that is giving the name of the church – the Rotunda.
The internal diameter of the dome is 24.5m, while the external one is of 27m, which a height of 75m from the church floor.
The dome is supported by eight columns 13.5m high and has a total weight of 45,000 tones.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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The statue of Xewkija's Patron Saint was made in mulberry wood by the Maltese sculptor Paul Azzopardi of Cospicua in 1845.
As in most of Malta's town, with the occasion of Xewkija's feast, the statue is brought on shoulders around the streets of the village in the procession usually held on the third Sunday of June.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Once you enter the Rotunda you cannot stop being amazed about its beauty. Made of honey-colored Malta limestone, inside the Rotunda is 64m long and 43m wide.
The fantastic dome with an outer circumference of 85m is supported by 8 columns, while the church has 16 large windows in the lower section and another 16 in the lantern.
The Main Altar is surrounded by 6 side chapels designed by Guze' Galea of Malta with beautiful carvings of Anthony Camilleri and paintings of the young Gozitan artist Paul Camilleri Cauchi.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Getting closer to Xewkija from Mgarr Harbor, a wonderful view of the church was displayed to our eyes.
The enormous circular structure in white local limestone, it is called Rotunda because of its form.
The facade resembles to the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute in Venice, which inspired its architect, Joseph D'Amato.
Four columns and four niches with statues on two levels flank the main entrance door, which is 10m high by 4.8m wide.
Written Dec 3, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Xewkija attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Xewkija sightseeing.
Getting closer to Xewkija from Mgarr Harbor, a wonderful view of the church was displayed to our eyes.The enormous circular structure in white local limestone,...
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1
Located half way from the Mgarr Harbour to the capital town of Victoria, Xewkija is considered the oldest village in Gozo. The village became the first parish outside Victoria on the 27th November......
2
Xewkija is dominated by the Rotunda parish church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The old chapel was rebuilt at least twice. The new church was built around the former church, itself raised on...
3
The tiny settlement of Xewkija on the island of Gozo is dominated by its church. The dome of the church is reportedly the third highest in Europe and can be seen from miles around. Xewkija is...
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