Xlendi (Pronounced Shlandy) Bay, Gozo, is the end of a deep valley leading to the sea. Millions of years ago, Malta and its islands formed the summit of a ridge of mountains (or high ground) which connected Europe to Africa and divided the Mediterranean Sea into two basins. When the movement of the earth caused this ridge to submerge the two basins become one sea. The summits of the mountains were left high and dry and although our Islands do not have rivers, the valleys are still evident and still carry the excess rainfall to the sea.
Guarding the entrance of the bay, which is a popular place for Maltese and tourist holidaymakers, is the Xlendi Tower. This tower is the oldest free standing coastal watchtower in Gozo. It was built during the reign of the Grand Master Lascaris in 1650 and its main purpose was to deny entrance and use of Xlendi Bay by smugglers, pirates and evaders of quarantine.
Many thanks for looking and for your kind comments on yesterday's picture.
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