Xerri's Grotto: A Subterranean Wonder

Xerri's Grotto, located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo, is a fascinating underground cave discovered in 1923 (or 1924) by Anthony Xerri while he was digging a well beneath his home. Instead of finding water, he unearthed a hidden cavern filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.The Xerri family still owns and manages the grotto, offering guided tours that begin with a brief history in a small exhibition room. A narrow, spiral staircase, originally the well shaft, leads down about 10 meters into the cave. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 19°C, providing a cool escape during Gozo's hot summers.Inside, you'll see various calcified formations, some resembling animals like tortoises, vultures, giraffes, and elephant ears. These formations have developed over thousands of years due to water dripping through the limestone. During World War II, the cave was used as a shelter from air raids, and parts of the cave were excavated to make it more accessible. The tour guides point out interesting rock features and encourage visitors to photograph the unique spiral staircase.