Experts believe the tower may have been inspired by the 1560 San Michele Tower in Ostia, attributed to Michelangelo.
Hiding in plain sight in the street named after it (Triq it-Torri) in Qrendi lies one of Malta’s most often overlooked historical landmarks – The Cavalier Tower, also known as 'Torri tal-Kaptan'. A rare octagonal structure with a military past, architectural intrigue, and possible ties to Michelangelo himself, this tower is as fascinating as it is formidable.
The Cavalier Tower once housed the Captain of the Knights of the Order of St John, a prestigious post that governed the surrounding region. Believed to be the only surviving medieval tower in Malta, the structure stands as a silent sentinel to centuries of history and conflict.
Built with walls as thick as 12 feet, the tower was clearly designed with defence in mind. Its strategic layout – including internal spiral staircases, trap doors, and eight drop balconies for hurling stones or boiling oil at intruders – makes it quite the masterpiece of military architecture.
What sets the Cavalier Tower apart from the countless towers in Malta (both young and old!) is its unique octagonal shape, a feature unparalleled on the island. Four of its sides are fortified with exceptionally thick walls, while the remaining are slightly slimmer, still impenetrable by modern standards.
Experts believe that the tower may have drawn inspiration from the San Michele Tower in Ostia, Italy, a structure designed in 1560 and attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti himself. Whether this connection is factual or folklore remains uncertain, but the resemblance is undeniable and only adds to the tower’s mystique.
Surrounding the tower is a complex of ancillary rooms, a central courtyard, and an animal manger, all carefully constructed to support both defence and daily living. This mix of military function and rural lifestyle brought into the picture a self-sufficient outpost – one prepared for siege yet built for sustainability.
The stone-carved floral patterns and small windows on one of the adjoining rooms add an unexpected touch of beauty. Meanwhile, the animal manger, supported by grand arches and multiple troughs, hints at the importance of animal husbandry within this fortified compound.
Despite its grandeur and unmistakable age, no official records exist confirming the tower’s construction date. Some historians suggest it dates back to the late medieval period, when Malta was still part of the Kingdom of Sicily. If true, this would make it Malta’s last-standing medieval tower, aside from the ruined circular tower in Xlendi. Others believe it was built in the 16th or 17th century by the Knights themselves, which would still make it one of the island’s earliest surviving military residences – impressive!
Have you ever spotted this unique tower?