Sannat in Gozo: Cliffs and Cultural Heritage

Discover Sannat in Gozo through its landscape and cultural history. Ta’ Ċenċ defines its connection with nature; churches, megalithic remains and traditional lime kilns offer further insights into the history of the area.

Landscape and Birdlife at Ta’ Ċenċ

The protected area “Rdumijiet u L-Inħawi ta’ Ta’ Ċenċ” lies in southwest Gozo and falls within the municipality of Sannat. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). The cliffs of Ta’ Ċenċ are the highest in Gozo. They are home to the largest concentration of Scopoli’s shearwaters in the Maltese Islands. Ta’ Ċenċ is also one of two known breeding sites for the European storm petrel in the Maltese Archipelago. The concentration refers to the Maltese Islands; the breeding-site information refers to the Maltese Archipelago.

The Ta’ Ċenċ Plateau is a garigue landscape typical of Malta. Another natural feature is the Hanżira Valley, a natural ravine that separates Ta’ Sannat from Xewkija. For nature enthusiasts, these places offer different highlights: the cliffs are defined by their height and birdlife, while the plateau is characterised by its garigue landscape.

Walking Trails and Access

Walking trails run along the impressive limestone cliffs on the outskirts of Ta’ Sannat. Visitors can discover a variety of wildlife and endemic plants along the trails. Nature watching and the cliff landscape are among the specific features you can consider when choosing your destination.

There is an important access condition for the Ta’ Ċenċ area: access is from Sannat via the grounds of the Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel. The area is privately owned. Before entering, check whether you have permission.

Cultural History and Historical Sites

The Ta’ Ċenċ Plateau is home to three dolmens and sparse remains of the temple of L’Imramma. The dolmens and the menhir at Ta’ Ċenċ are still visible. Palazzo Palina, a restored 17th-century country residence, is located at the Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel.

The history of the construction of St Margaret’s Church can be traced through several dates: construction of the present church began in 1718 on the site of a smaller church. It was first consecrated in 1755; following structural alterations, it was consecrated again in 1868. The altarpiece is by Stefano Erardi. This sequence distinguishes the start of construction from the two consecrations, documenting different stages in the church’s history.

Two traditional kilns stand on the road from Ta’ Sannat towards Mġarr ix-Xini. Local stone was fired in them and processed into lime powder. Another historical episode links Sannat with a visit by Queen Elizabeth II: she visited Sannat’s lace house in 1951.

Discover more destinations: Żurrieq, Marsaxlokk, Luqa, Munxar, Gozo, Żejtun, San Pawl Il-Baħar, Għammar

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