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Have you ever heard of this peculiar tower in Hal-Far that was destroyed back in the 1930’s?
It was built all the way back in the 16th century.

Emma Galea

Numerous watch towers were built in Malta during the times of the Knights of Saint John but have you ever heard of Wied Znuber Tower in Hal-Far?

The tower was built back in the 16th century but oddly enough unlike the towers built at the time, this one didn’t have an external staircase or a wooden bridge leading to the upper floor.

Instead, the stairs connecting the floors with each other were found inside the tower. The second floor was even divided into two parts with the upper part being used as a kind of loft.

The tower even had a small opening where the ones in the tower could throw the boiling oil at their enemy.

This was called a ‘Piombatoio’ and thanks as a result to this the tower was often commonly referred to as the ‘Boiling Tower’ by the locals. This feature is typically found in buildings in central Syria.

Unfortunately, during the time of the British here in Malta, in 1934 to be precise, the tower was completely destroyed during an Air Pageant by the Royal Air Force.

Facebook/Zurrieqanditssurrondings

15th November 2022


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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