This historical photo shows the St. John procession at the very beginning of the construction of the Xewkija Rotunda. A large crowd gathers around the unfinished structure, with visible stone blocks and building materials scattered in the foreground. The statue of St. John is being carried out from the partially built church entrance, framed by massive columns. This moment marks a significant cultural and religious milestone, blending devotion with the early stages of creating one of Gozo’s most iconic landmarks.