Mġarr ix-Xini
Mġarr ix-Xini (Maltese: L-Imġarr ix-Xini), is a bay close to Għajnsielem (southwest), Xewkija and Sannat (southeast) on the Maltese island of Gozo. It lies in a gorge to the west of Mġarr Harbour, accessible mainly from the nearest village of Xewkija as well from Sannat.
| Mġarr ix-Xini | |
|---|---|
| L-Imġarr ix-Xini | |
 Mġarr ix-Xini bay | |
| Location | Gozo, Malta |
| Coordinates | 36°01′14.23″N 14°16′16.68″E |
| Type | Bay |
| Part of | Gozo Channel, Mediterranean Sea |
| Primary inflows | Springs |
| Basin countries | Malta |
| Max. length | 380 metres (1,250 ft) |
| Max. width | 70 metres (230 ft) |
| Surface area | 2,000 square metres (0.49 acres) |
| Average depth | 16.4 metres (54 ft) |
| Max. depth | 49.9 metres (164 ft) |
| Water volume | 436,240 cubic metres (436,240,000 L) |
| Shore length1 | 880 metres (2,890 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 0 metres (0 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
History
During the rule of the Order, it served as a small harbour for galleys. A small watchtower was built to defend the area in 1661, and it was restored several times in recent years.[1][2]
Present Day
Nowadays, this secluded spot is popular for swimming and diving.[3] On 12 November 1999, the former Gozo ferry M
V Xlendi was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef and dive site. However, the ship rolled over while sinking and it ended up upside down. It may be unsafe for inexperienced divers.[4]
The movie titled By the Sea, starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt was partially filmed at Mġarr ix-Xini from August to November 2014.[5]
References
- Mġarr ix-Xini Tower. Visit Gozo. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- Mgarr ix-Xini tower being restored. Times of Malta, 17 September 2008. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- Mgarr ix-Xini. Malta.com. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- Top wrecks of Malta & Gozo. Archived 2012-10-19 at the Wayback Machine Divernet. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt blockbuster to be filmed at Mgarr ix-Xini. Times of Malta, 3 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.