Ahead of its open day taking place this Sunday 1st September, the Department of Information has shared some images of the 367-year-old Mamo Tower, showing elements from both its interior and exterior.

This tower is not a standalone, like several towers built around the island for observation and protection during wartime, but is actually part of a country residence. It was built by Gregorio and Giorgio Mamo the father and son who resided there, both of whom were master builders of the Knights of St John.

Mamo Tower was built in the mid-17th century, in defence against the Ottoman attacks that would enter from St Thomas’s Bay just below the tower.

From a bird’s eye view, the tower resembles a diagonal cross, with sixteen faces in total. The main room was built with a domed ceiling using great skill, and is even said to be bomb-proof!

Another interesting aspect of this edifice is the two-metre ditch surrounding it, in which where one can find a fourth century Roman tomb, possibly deriving from a Phoenician one.

Mamo Tower will be open this Sunday between 9.30am and midday, and a guided tour at 10.30am will take visitors through its history, and the captivating events that created the need for the fortified house.

Have you ever visited Mamo Tower?