Full detailed history of Sannat (with relevant dates)
Setting: a village from the uplands to the cliffs
Sannat is widely described as a rustic village on Gozo’s south side whose territory runs from near Victoria to the coastal escarpment known as Ta’ Ċenċ. This geography shaped life around fields, stone boundaries and long walking routes down to the coast.
Parish foundation and St Margaret’s church (1688–1868)
Sannat became an independent parish on 28 April 1688. An older chapel dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch served as the first parish church, and is recorded as functioning in 1575.
As the community grew, the present parish church was built on/near the earlier site:
- 1718: works began on the present church building.
- 1755: church consecrated.
- 1860s: major enlargement/structural adaptations.
- 22 November 1868: re-consecration following the 19th-century changes.
- 27 December 1893: raised to Archipresbyteral status.
Ta’ Ċenċ: nature, archaeology and the south-coast horizon
The Ta’ Ċenċ coastline is a defining part of Sannat’s identity. It’s famed for sheer drop views, layered limestone geology, and seabird colonies. The plateau and cliff-edge also preserve archaeological traces—temple remains, dolmens and cart ruts— which are among the most atmospheric “prehistoric-in-the-open” sites in Gozo.
Valleys to the sea: the walk to Mġarr ix-Xini
One of Sannat’s classic experiences is leaving the village through rural lanes and descending a valley route that reaches Mġarr ix-Xini Bay—a small bay known for clear water and a quiet feel compared with larger beaches.
At-a-glance timeline
- 1575 — St Margaret chapel recorded as functioning (later used as parish church on parish creation).
- 28 Apr 1688 — Sannat erected as an independent parish.
- 1718 — works begin on the present St Margaret parish church.
- 1755 — church consecrated.
- 1860s — major church enlargement/structural changes.
- 22 Nov 1868 — church re-consecrated after adaptations.
- 27 Dec 1893 — Archipresbyteral status.
Best places to visit in and around Sannat
St Margaret’s Parish Church (village core)
Sannat’s architectural anchor: an early parish (1688) with a clear build-and-rebuild timeline (1718–1755; reworked in the 1860s; re-consecrated 1868). Look for its baroque presence and festa culture.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: geology, seabirds and sunset horizons
One of Gozo’s most powerful cliff walks: big skies, layered rock faces, and a sense of remoteness that makes the prehistoric traces feel even more dramatic.
Prehistoric Sannat: Borġ l-Imramma, dolmens and cart ruts
Near Ta’ Ċenċ you can find temple remains (including Borġ l-Imramma), dolmens and ancient cart ruts — evidence of long human presence and ritual landscapes on the plateau.
Birdwatching and nature on the cliff edge
The cliffs are recognised for seabird colonies and are especially rewarding at dawn or dusk when birds are active and the light is softer.
Wied tal-Mġarr ix-Xini → Mġarr ix-Xini Bay
A classic Gozo walk: countryside lanes and a valley descent to a quiet bay—ideal for a swim stop after a hike.
How to visit
- Best for: cliff walking, “prehistoric landscape” exploration, and a quiet village base near the south coast.
- Best time: October–May for walking; sunsets year-round are excellent from Ta’ Ċenċ.
- Safety: cliff edges can be exposed—keep distance from the brink, especially in wind; wear proper footwear.
- Pair it with: Munxar/Xlendi for coastal inlets; Victoria for museums and the Citadel.
FAQ
When was Sannat established as a parish?
28 April 1688.
When was St Margaret’s church built and consecrated?
Works began in 1718; consecrated in 1755; re-consecrated on 22 November 1868 after major 19th-century changes.
What makes Ta’ Ċenċ special?
It combines dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies with nearby prehistoric remains (dolmens, cart ruts and temple traces) on the plateau.