Żurrieq: Windmill, Churches and Coast

If you are looking for hotels in Żurrieq, the local attractions can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: the town brings together traces of church and architectural history with archaeological remains; at Wied iż-Żurrieq, the coastline and boat trips take centre stage. The windmill, chapels and Blue Grotto offer different ways to shape your stay. You can consider whether you would prefer to explore historic buildings or also plan a trip along the coast.

Windmill and Archaeological Remains

The tax-Xarolla Windmill was built in 1724 by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena and restored to working order in 1992. In the public garden beside the mill, visitors can observe the original mechanisms and see how wheat is ground. This allows you not only to view the historic milling technology but also to understand its practical function.

Several early Christian tombs are located near the Xarolla Windmill. Their architectural features are rarely found in comparable tombs in Malta. The windmill and tombs represent different aspects of cultural heritage: the technology of milling on the one hand, and distinctive forms of early Christian burial on the other. Those interested in archaeological and historical remains will find two different topics in the vicinity of the mill.

Churches, Chapels and Architectural History

The present parish church of St Catherine of Alexandria was built between 1634 and 1659 to plans by the architect Lorenzo Gafà. It houses around six paintings by the Italian painter Mattia Preti. The construction period and paintings offer two ways to explore the church: the story of its construction and the art found inside.

St James Chapel can also be dated: construction began in 1725; it was completed, blessed and inaugurated in 1731. St Andrew's Chapel was restored with EU funding under the LEADER programme. The wall paintings on the side walls of the Annunciation Chapel in Hal Millieri point to artistic activity in the 15th century. The Il-Lunzjata Chapel in Hal Millieri stands on the site of a former Roman temple. Taken together, these buildings do not belong to a single era but have a range of historical connections.

Bubaqra Tower dates from the 16th century. The tower was probably originally intended as a country residence. This qualification is important: its original use is an interpretation of its design, not a confirmed purpose. Another option for those interested in visiting several places of worship is the “Churches and Chapels” Heritage Trail. It runs from Kirkop to Żurrieq and passes various places of worship. It therefore offers a route that goes beyond visiting a single building.

Coastline and Boat Trips

At Wied iż-Żurrieq, boat trips offer views of the coastline and take visitors to the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is known for its natural arch; during the trip, you can also see other caves and the crystal-blue sea. This coastal experience is quite different from the churches and historic buildings in town: the focus here is on the landscape viewed from the water.

Weather conditions are important when planning a boat trip: if southerly winds make the sea very rough, the Blue Grotto Boat Service suspends operations at Wied iż-Żurrieq. Check conditions before your trip.

When deciding how to spend your trip, you can weigh up two specific options: Żurrieq’s architectural and church history, or a coastal visit with the possibility of a boat trip. The historic sites also differ in age and character—from the 18th-century windmill to chapels and paintings, and the early Christian tombs. These differences can help you choose according to your interests without reducing the individual attractions to a single theme.

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