Xerri's Grotto: A Subterranean Secret

Venture beneath a seemingly ordinary house in Xagħra, Gozo, to discover Xerri's Grotto, a captivating cave adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. This hidden treasure was unearthed in 1923 (or 1924) when Anthony Xerri was digging a well beneath his home. Instead of water, he found a series of small chambers, a geological wonder that has been in the Xerri family ever since.Descend a narrow, 10-meter spiral staircase that was once the original well shaft to enter a world of fascinating rock formations. The cave's constant temperature of 19 degrees Celsius offers a cool respite, especially during Gozo's hot summers. As you explore the 17-meter pathway, family members guide you, pointing out formations resembling animals like tortoises, vultures, giraffes, and even elephant ears.During World War II, the grotto served as an air raid shelter for the family and neighbors, adding another layer to its history. Today, electric lights illuminate the cave, revealing the beauty of the calcified tree roots and other unique speleothems. A visit to Xerri's Grotto offers a unique glimpse into Gozo's geological past and the resourcefulness of a local family.