They’ve survived through ages.
The Maltese Islands are probably the most conquered lands in history, having been colonised, governed and reigned over by many empires, nationalities and orders. And rightly so, the islands needed to protect themselves from the next invader, which is why the idea of watchtowers came about.
The history
The Order of the Knights of St John built the De Redin Towers - a series of 13 towers - in the late 1650s along the coast of Malta. Eight of them still survive today while two are in ruins and three completely destroyed. Named after Grand Master Martin de Redin, the towers were used by various conquerors, namely the British Empire during World War II.
The 8 surviving towers and interesting facts
1. Għallis Tower, Naxxar
Built on the site of a medieval watchpost, this tower was the site of a very spooky scenario. In the summer of 1955, 35-year-old Toninu Aquilina was found dead in the well of the tower. Yikes!
2. Saint Mark’s Tower, Naxxar
A fougasse (explosives storage) built close to the tower in the 1741 was believed to have been lost, but was rediscovered in 2014 during road works. The British also built a small guard room in front of the tower but it's now in ruins.
3. Madliena Tower, Pembroke
Madliena bridged the gap between Fort Madalena and Fort Pembroke, two prominent coastal forts. The British continued to use it for military purposes, building a Night Practice Battery close to the fort, too!
4. Saint Julian’s Tower, Sliema
The small watchtower had an artillery battery around the tower built in 1715. Nowadays the tower and remains of the battery have been refurbished into a much-loved restaurant in the heart of Sliema. Interestingly, the tower gave its name to Tower Road, one of Malta’s most popular seaside promenades.
5. Aħrax Tower, Mellieħa
This tower is the northernmost fortification on the main island, and was armed with various artillery including cannons, cannonballs, muskets and the lot. This is one of the few towers that is still in need of restoration.
6. Triq il-Wiesgħa Tower, Żabbar
The tower in Żabbar suffered extensive damage in the 20th century after the rear part collapsed, leaving it in ruins. It was further damaged when an aircraft crashed nearby, but was luckily restored to its former glory in 2008.
7. Ħamrija Tower, Qrendi
Ħamrija Tower is the last tower on the southwest coast with excellent views of Filfla, and is located just a stone’s throw away from two Neolithic temple sites, Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim.
8. Wardija Tower, Żurrieq
Wardija Tower is the final tower in the De Redin series, and is now privately owned and unfortunately not open to the public. Still, nothing is stopping you from visiting this fantastic site!
Bengħisa Tower in Birżebbuġa, Delimara Tower in Marsaxlokk and Żonqor Tower in Marsaskala have been demolished, while Xrobb l-Għagin Tower in Marsaxlokk and Għajn Ħadid Tower in Mellieħa are, sadly, in ruins today. One tower was also built in Gozo, the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, and is today a major tourist attraction.
The towers today
The eight surviving towers were restored by NGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Heritage Malta. Today, Għallis Tower and Saint Mark’s Tower are open by appointment and Saint Julian’s Tower has been refurbished into a restaurant, very popular during the summer months!
Want to know more? Learn about the history of these impressive towers.