Xlendi is a village in Malta situated in the south west of the island of Gozo. The name is probably derived from the word "xelandion", a type of Byzantine vessel which may have anchored in the port. It is surrounded by the villages of Munxar, Fontana and Kerċem. Xlendi falls under Munxar for administrative purposes, though it does have its own coat of arms and motto. From March 2010, Xlendi will be having its own 5-person "mini council", which will be responsible for the main activities of the area.
Historical Places
Punic Tombs
Historical Places
Punic Tombs
Also Tombs dating Punic-Byzantine times were found in Xlendi, some at St Simon Point (under St Simon Street) and some others in Xlendi Valley. Romans used to port in Xlendi as it has features that can protect from the wind for its cliffs around the bay. In the middle of the bay there is a reef that many ships shipwrecked against it. These ships left a large number of Roman amphora on the sea bed in the mouth of the bay.
The tower guarding the mouth of the bay was built by the Grandmaster Lascaris in the 1650 exactly on 29 June. This was built so no pirates or Turks could disembark from this bay. This tower is still standing. It has, until recently been abandoned with great damage occurring to the outer walls of the Tower. Responsibility for the tower was passed in 2010 to the Local Council and Din L'Art Helwa. It is anticipated that restoration work will be commenced during 2011. The Tower was quite important for the British Army in Malta as it was the only tower in the southwest of the island. It was entitled Tower B (secondly in place) to show its importance.
Chapels
The current chapel in Xlendi is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The front section of the building dates back to 1868; in 1969 it was enlarged at the rear. The church was dedicated in 1974. Every year, on the first Sunday of September, a feast dedicated to the patron saint, is held. In the Afternoon, water games are held at the bay with the traditional 'gostra' a greasy pole which the players have the walk on to catch a flag. In the evening a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is held around Xlendi.
Underground Emergency Mill
During the years 1955, the Xlendi mill was excavated into the cliffs, situated behind the Mount Carmel church. The excavation was a huge undertaking, which consisted firstly of an entrance tunnel, some 30 meters long, 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, leading into a large chamber. This chamber was divided into three floors and housed the storage, grinding and milling equipment. At the rear of the mill is the silo, having a storage capacity of approximately 1,000 tons of wheat, and connected to the milling machinery by mechanical augers. An 80 hp diesel engine and alternator supplied power. Entrances from above can also access the silo. The Mill was built when the Cold War was escalating when nuclear conflict was possible. This Mill was nuclear safe. But this mill was never used after built.