Gozo, Malta

Hidden away down an alley this rustic farmhouse enjoys amazing panoramic views across a large part of Gozo to Gordan lighthouse and to the sea.

It offers a great entertainment area over 200sqm as well as stunning sunsets where you can watch the sun drop into the sea. On the ground floor there is a combined living, dining room and kitchen.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, both looking onto the expansive views, and two bathrooms, one en-suite.

ZEBBUG:

I - ebbu lies stretched on a tranquil hill in the north of Gozo with panoramic views of the Gozitan countryside and the Mediterranean. It has a remarkable parish church, some beautiful little street niches (shrines) and a reputation for producing skilled traditional craftsmen. I - ebbu means olives or olive trees in Maltese, suggesting there were once olive groves or olive presses here.

On a slope on the edge of the village, facing Ta? urdan Lighthouse and known as is-Sag trija, (The Wild Thyme Field) a considerable deposit of onyx was found in 1738. Many churches in Malta and Gozo have works of art made from this onyx but i - ebbu church is by far the most spectacular. It is covered with this semi-precious stone. The high altar, the choir, and the baptistery are all sculpted out of this onyx.

I - ebbu became an independent parish in 1688 and the building of the present church (without the onyx) started in 1690. The church, dedicated to Santa Marija (St Mary) the Assumption, was consecrated in 1726. The Cathedral apart, it is the oldest parish church to be consecrated in Gozo.

Worthy of special mention is the altarpiece of the Immaculate Conception in a chapel in the left transept, known by the locals as tal-Virtut (of the miracles). Local folklore has it that the radiant face of the Virgin turns yellowish and pale before an impending natural catastrophe. It is also said that one day, when some corsairs dared to devastate the countryside as far as the village, a lady that resembled the image in the altarpiece appeared on the spot hurling stones to repel the enemy.

I - ebbu in (natives of i - ebbu ) are known for the high quality of their bizzilla (lace); nsi (weaving); and kutri tas-suf (sheep?s wool blankets). The surrounding countryside is ideal for shepherds. The milk from their sheep produces some of Gozo?s finest gbejniet (traditional little cheeses).

The villagers are very proud of their religious heritage and carefully maintain the village?s street niches (shrines). The best is that of il-Madonna Omm tal- niena, better known as ta - i ri.

The bays of Marsalforn, Qbajjar and Xwejni are all within easy reach of this picturesque village. All shelter local fishing boats and are popular places for swimming and diving, amongst locals and tourists alike.