Fontana is a now a suburb of Victoria on the Xlendi road. It is named after a natural spring which flows all year. In the 16thC the Knights built arched shelters over the spring which were used as wash houses. This is another stop for the bus tours and there is a small parking area beside the road.
Originally there were five springs but now only two run. The Knight's Wash House is dug into the side of the cliff. There are three carved coats of arms on the back wall and a row of stone basins down either side. Channels take water to each and a drainage hole in the bottom ensures a continuous supply of clean water. There is a solid stone bench in the centre for sitting. Across the road is ‘Farmer's Basin’ which has a series of stone basins with a flat sitting area next to each one.
There are tourist shops close by. Gozo Craft Heritage sells a wide range of lace, knitted sweaters and cardigans. Prices are reasonable. Next to it is an upmarket jewelers. Across the road and up a flight of steps is Gozo Traditions which sells wines, vacuum packed cheeses, figs, preserves. This is very much geared to the tourist market and we felt the shop gave itself airs and graces and was expensive.
