Fontana, suburb of Victoria, means “spring” and took its name from a bountiful spring at the bottom of the road leading to Xlendi.  People began to inhabit the area because of this useful fresh water spring.  In the 16th century, an arched shelter was built over the spring for the convenience of the people, since people flocked there to wash their clothes, as some still do to this day.  Most Xlendi fishermen lived in Fontana an in the late 19th century the proceeds from their catches were used to raise a parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Fresh water spring at Fontana