Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Maltese islands (66)

A complex of tombs and small catacombs are located next to the Xarolla Windmill in Żurrieq with multiple chambers dating to the early Christian period and grouped into two main areas. Some of the catacombs have ornamental rock-cut pilasters decorating the entrances. One of the chambers still has the sealing plug in situ.

Some of the tombs were discovered in 1926 and 1936 during service trenching works in the area. All of the tombs have a degree of damage as a result of rock cutting in the area, resulting in most of the tombs having part of the chamber missing.

In the surroundings of Safi/Żurrieq, a number of late Roman/early Christian tombs and catacombs and remains of classical period buildings have been recorded indicating a well-established community in the area during the classical period.

The site is considered to have a medium level of historical importance at a national level in that it provides evidence of a community living in the area in a specific time period.

It is one of the best surviving examples with great relevance to the south.

Mepa scheduled the Xarolla catacomb complex as a Class B national monument as per Government notice 1225 dated December 10, 2010.