Fontana

Fontana, locally known simply as "Triq tal-Ghajn", (the way to the spring), took its name from a bountiful spring at the bottom of the road leading to Xlendi, locally referred to as "il-Ghajn il-Kbira", (the big spring). Fontana is Italian terminology for spring. Fontana, a suburb of Victoria, lies downhill on the Rabat-Xlendi road. People began to inhabit the area because of this useful fresh water springs. The arched shelters were built in the sixteenth century over each spring for the convenience of the people. Inside one can still find traditional stone water tubs in which local folk could do their daily washing.
On the lower part of Fontana, on the right-hand side of the road to Xlendi, one could not help but notice the evergreen Lunzjata Valley going up to the village of Kercem. Local farmers busy around all year long in this fertile part of Gozo. A very old irrigation system made up from stone gutters constantly brings water from a spring situated in the Kercem part of the valley.
Most of the fishermen that operated from the fishing village of Xlendi lived in Fontana. Late in the nineteenth century, they began setting aside part of the proceeds from their catches to construct a church. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 29 January 1892. The church was consecrated thirteen years to that day on 29 January 1904, and was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1905. The church was established as parish of Fontana on 27 March 1911 under Bishop Giovanni Maria Camilleri. The spectacular village feast is celebrated each year around the 2nd and 3rd week of June.

USEFUL INFORMATION

How to go: On foot from Victoria or bus to Xlendi no. 87
Interesting Features:
1. Water Springs and Traditional Washhouses
2. Access road to Xlendi Bay and Fishing Village
3. Parish Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Festa of The Sacred Heart of Jesus – Fontana

The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated in the locality of Fontana, around the third week of June. Fontana, locally referred to as Triq tal-Għajn, (the way to the spring), took its name from a bountiful spring at the bottom of the road leading to Xlendi, known as L-Għajn il-Kbira. This suburb of Victoria lies on the road from Victoria to Xlendi. People began to inhabit the area because of the fresh water spring over which an arched shelter was built in the 16th century.
Most of the fishermen that operated from the village of Xlendi lived in Fontana. Late in the nineteenth century they began setting aside part of the proceeds from their catches to raise a church. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 29 January 1892 and it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1905. It was consecrated thirteen years to that day on 29 January 1905. Fontana was established as a parish on 27 March 1911 during the bishopric of Giovanni Maria Camilleri.