Historical Building

Washerwomen’s Spring

The Għajn tal-Ħasselin (Washerwomen’s Spring), located in the heart of Għajnsielem, is one of Gozo’s most unique cultural and social monuments. Its origins date

Category
Historical Building
Coordinates
36.02750, 14.29104

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The Għajn tal-Ħasselin (Washerwomen’s Spring), located in the heart of Għajnsielem, is one of Gozo’s most unique cultural and social monuments. Its origins date back to 1710, when Grand Master Raymond Perellos built an elegant, arched public wash house to accommodate the village's rapidly growing population. For over two centuries, this freshwater sanctuary—fed by the natural Għajn Salem spring—served as both a vital daily utility and the ultimate social hub for local villagers. Tragically dismantled in 1953 for road expansion, the historic landmark was meticulously reconstructed in 2015 using exact blueprints.

Today, it stands as a living tribute to Gozo's past, seamlessly blending a faithfully restored stone arcade with original 18th-century foundations discovered underground.

✨ Tips:
Visiting Hours: The open-air wash house and upper belvedere are accessible 24/7, making it a quick and easy stop at any time of day.
Entry to the entire monument, including the structure and the plaza, is completely free of charge.

🎒 Hidden Feature: Look for the rock-hewn staircase that leads underground to a World War II air-raid shelter discovered during the 2014 excavations.

📍 Convenient Stop: Located just a 3-minute drive or a short uphill walk from the Mġarr Ferry Terminal, it is the perfect first stop when arriving in Gozo.