An architectural marvel! 1942 photos shows Mqabba’s Vincenti Tower after being hit during World War II air raids
Yet somehow it remained standing...
A photo shares by Lars Newton shows what the Vicenti Tower in Imqabba once looked like after it was hit by a World War II air raid in 1942.
During an axis bombing air raid on the 9th April 1942, the tower was hit but no bombs were ever meant to fall on it. The axis were trying to target the Luqa airfield but instead, the bombs fell on Mqabba. In fact, the Mqabba parish church sustained major damage as well!
The tower was built in 1726 by Fra Orfeo de Vincenzo, a prior of the Order of St John, forming part of a country residence.
As can be seen in the photo, the tower originally was as a high as four stories and even had a terrace or balcony.
Even though the bottom floor was severely damaged after the air raids, the tower was built so efficiently that it still did not collapse.
Nonetheless, it was still a danger which is why the Royal Air Force decided to pull down the upper section and restored the rest.
In fact, the tower still stands today but is missing the upper part. Unfortunately, you cannot visit as the tower forms part of private property.