A fascinating old photo of Xlendi from the 1890s has surfaced online, thanks to Ernest Ferrante, and it’s almost unrecognisable compared to the buzzing seaside village we know today!
Back in the 1800s, Xlendi was a quiet coastal haven on the southwestern coast of Gozo, known for its natural beauty, freshwater springs, and tamarisk trees. Unlike the busy hotspot it has become, particularly during the summer months, it was a simple fishing village where locals relied on the sea for their livelihood.
Its name, 'Xlendi', is believed to come from the Byzantine word 'xelandion', meaning 'a ship', a fitting tribute to its maritime roots. One of the few landmarks that still stands today is the statue of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of fishermen, which was placed in 1882 in the area where boats were stored during winter - you can just about spot it in the old photo!
As was the case across the Maltese Islands, religious life was an important part of the village, with a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Though the church was officially inaugurated in 1974, parts of it date back to 1868, making it a historical centerpiece of the village. The villagers would come together each year to celebrate their patron saint, a tradition that continues to this day.
Can you imagine yourself living in Xlendi back then?