The large, artistic and historic fountain in Lunzjata Valley, Gozo has recently been restored by Din l-Art Helwa, in collaboration with Kercem Local Council. The restoration work was sponsored by the Alfred Mizzi Foundation.
In 1698, Hercules Martin Testaferrata, who was appointed rector of this benefice by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, erected a large fountain in Lunzjata Valley. The fountain was built with love for many Gozitans who needed the use of this precious water.
The fountain, known as Ghajn il-Kbir, bears an inscription in Latin to commemorate this event, crowned by the coat-of-arms of Grand Master Perellos. The coat-of-arms was completely eroded and needed to be replaced.
Water still flowed out of the spring into the fountain, even in Summer, but the stones around the sides and rear end required partial replacement and pointing for their preservation. The stone basins along the side and front of the fountain also required conservation work.
The Lunzjata valley is one of most evergreen and picturesque valleys in Gozo. When you are about to enter Kercem from Rabat at the top end of the valley, instead of turning right to the residential area, turn left, and again sharp right.
As soon as you approach the entrance to this valley, the beautiful view of well-managed fields and luscious greenery is striking. With all this beauty around you, a stroll down the lane leads you to a natural spring, supplying part of this greenery with water. No wonder this area was once known as ‘Il-Gardin tar-Rabat’. The valley was a game reserve for many Grand Masters.
Entrance is through a thick-walled archway, known as Bieb is-Sultan, built in limestone facing north and sloping downwards. A statue of St Joseph adorns the end of the wall. It is unfortunate that the old arch was vandalized and eventually widened. The left and rear end of the arch also houses a lodge presently used by Wirt Ghawdex.
Further down, lies a small, but striking chapel dedicated to The Annunciation of Our Lady – hence the name Lunzjata. It is very well kept, and its preservation is very important, as it is one of the two only remaining chapels in these islands partially built in a natural cave.
The chapel dates back to the 14th century, at least. In fact, in 1370 it was dedicated to The Annunciation and became part of a royal benefice administered by the Aragonese king from Sicily, and later by the Grand Master of the Order of St. John in Malta. It was often rebuilt, – in 1500 it was rebuilt by its rector Fra Pawl Tabone. In the year 1700 a small sacristy was added to it and later enlarged.
As you approach the fountain further down the narrow lane, do admire the carob and olive trees that adorn the slopes and the terraced fields supported by rubble walls. Fig trees are numerous along the valley and cane is abundant. The old windmill still adorns the area.
Water flows down the valley all the year round due to the presence of a number of natural springs. Due to this abundance of water, the valley was historically always an important agricultural area.
Lunzjata valley is one of the few places in Gozo supporting the rare Fresh Water Crab (P.F. Lanfrancoi, il-Qabru). This crustacean is becoming very rare, and its habitat is also difficult to come across. If found, it is not to be disturbed.
Near the fountain enjoy the green surrounding area and the sweet, relaxing sound of fresh and clear water flowing through the rocks, an inspiration to many local poets.
Din l-Art Helwa is trying to increase membership for more support. Be a guardian of Malta’s heritage by becoming a member. For more details send an e-mail to [email protected] indicating your name and forwarding address, or visit the website www.dinlart
helwa.org.
Mr Rizzo is the treasurer of Din l-Art Helwa