Forgotten historic landmark in Gozo

Wirt Għawdex would like to draw the attention of the authorities to a forgotten historic site at Xagħra, Gozo, which, although not in a severe dilapidated state, is unfortunately neglected and currently used for the rearing of farm animals.

This site, consisting of a hospital and an adjacent cemetery, is a landmark site for Gozo, because it marks an important period in Gozo's history.

In 1813, a devastating plague hit Malta and eventually Gozo. In Gozo, this started from Xagħra.

For this reason, a farm on the south of this village was turned into a temporary emergency hospital and a field nearby was chosen to bury the dead in it, to remove the need for transport that could spread the illness further. The official proclamation that the plague had ended came on September 8, the day Xagħra celebrates its village festa, and this confirms the importance of this site to Xagħra and the island of Gozo.

Wirt Għawdex urges the authorities to take action for the preservation and restoration of this historic site.