Fontana, Gozo: a spring-named
village beside the Lunzjata Valley

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Central-south Gozo · “The way to the spring” · Valleys and village life

Fontana, Gozo: a spring-named village beside the Lunzjata Valley

Fontana is one of Gozo’s smallest localities, often described by locals as It-Triq tal-Għajn—“the way to the spring”. It grew as a suburb on the Rabat–Xlendi road and is defined by its freshwater-spring identity, fertile valley landscapes, and a parish church built through the devotion and contributions of a small community.

Key identity: Fontana’s heritage is inseparable from water—its name, its spring, and the green valley agriculture that still shapes the village’s scenery and walking routes.

Full detailed history of Fontana (with relevant dates)

Origin and name

Fontana developed as a suburb on the Rabat (Victoria) – Xlendi route. Its local nickname, It-Triq tal-Għajn, refers to the road leading down to the area’s major spring, often called Il-Għajn il-Kbira. The word “Fontana” itself is Italian for a spring—an unusually literal place-name that describes the locality’s defining feature.

The Sacred Heart parish church: community-built (1893–1905) and parish status (1911)

In the late 19th century, residents—especially fishermen connected with nearby Xlendi—set aside funds and labour to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

  • 29 January 1893: foundation stone laid.
  • 29 January 1905: church consecrated (on the same calendar date).
  • 27 March 1911: Fontana established as a parish.

The church remains the village’s principal landmark and the centre of Fontana’s annual festa, typically celebrated in June.

Landscape and livelihoods: the Lunzjata Valley

Below the village, Wied tal-Lunzjata forms a green corridor of small fields and seasonal produce—one of the best “everyday Gozo” landscapes close to Victoria. The valley is also a popular walking route, linking Fontana’s outskirts with neighbouring localities and countryside lanes.

Għajn tal-ħasselin

At-a-glance timeline

  • Place-name era — locality known as “It-Triq tal-Għajn” (“the way to the spring”) due to Il-Għajn il-Kbira spring.
  • 29 Jan 1893 — foundation stone laid for the Sacred Heart church.
  • 29 Jan 1905 — church consecrated.
  • 27 Mar 1911 — Fontana established as a parish.

Best places to visit in and around Fontana

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church

Fontana’s signature monument: a village-scale landmark built from community devotion, with a clear timeline (1893–1905) and strong festa tradition.

Il-Għajn il-Kbira spring area

The spring that gave Fontana its name and identity. Look for spring-side features and the feel of a village shaped by water and fertile soils.

Wied tal-Lunzjata (Lunzjata Valley) walk

A lush, photogenic valley walk close to Victoria—ideal for a low-effort countryside escape with stone walls, small fields, and seasonal greenery.

Walking links: Victoria and routes towards Xlendi

Fontana is excellent for short walks: head uphill to Victoria (Rabat) for museums and the Citadel, or follow the road/paths towards Xlendi for coastal scenery and a waterfront stop.

View of the valley

How to visit

  • Best for: quiet village atmosphere, short walks, spring-and-valley landscape, and local church heritage.
  • Best time: spring for maximum valley greenery; early morning/late afternoon for softer light on limestone streets.
  • Getting around: easy to reach via Victoria; ideal to combine with Victoria, Xlendi, or a Gozo countryside day.

FAQ

Why is Fontana also called “It-Triq tal-Għajn”?

Because of the major spring in the area—often referred to as Il-Għajn il-Kbira—reached via the road leading down from the village.

When was the parish church built?

The foundation stone was laid on 29 January 1893 and it was consecrated on 29 January 1905.

When did Fontana become a parish?

Fontana was established as a parish on 27 March 1911.

Editor notes (optional)

  • Suggested image set: fontana-gozo-hero.jpg (church + square), fontana-lunzjata-valley.jpg, fontana-spring.jpg.
  • Internal links to consider: Victoria (Rabat), Xlendi, Kerċem (valley backdrop), Munxar (route options).