Weekend plans sorted! 8 historical sites in Malta opening their doors to the public this Sunday
Ħal Millieri, White Tower, and Dwejra Tower, amongst others, will be open this Sunday 6th October.
This Sunday marks the first Sunday of October which means that, if you do not have any weekend plans, Din l-Art Helwa have got you covered.
On Sunday the 6th of October, Din l-Art Ħelwa will open the doors to eight historical sites, offering a unique glimpse into Malta’s past.
Msida Bastion Garden - opening from 09:30 to 12:30
Formerly known as the Msida Bastion Cemetery, this site served as Malta’s primary Protestant cemetery from 1806 to 1856, accommodating around 528 burials before Ta’ Braxia Cemetery opened. The cemetery, located in the bastion formerly called St Philip’s Bastion, which was part of Grand Master Antoine de Paule’s outer defence works commissioned in 1635, includes notable burials such as Mikiel Anton Vassalli, the father of the Maltese language.
After World War Two bombings and years of neglect, including vandalism and weather damage, the site was restored in 1988, with the effort spearheaded by volunteers from Din l-Art Helwa and later revived by Dr Andy Welsh. The restoration, which received Europa Nostra's Silver Medal in 2002, was completed with the addition of a small Museum of Maltese Burial Practices in 2004.
Ħal Millieri – opening from 09:00 to 12:00
Consecrated around 1480, this Maltese medieval church stands on the site of a thirteenth-century predecessor. With dimensions of 5m by 7m, the chapel boasts a typical medieval structure divided into five bays by pointed arches. Its unique charm lies in frescoes dating back to the mid-fifteenth century, depicting saints, including St George twice slaying a dragon. A restoration initiative in 1968 unveiled historical artefacts, leading to the establishment of a trust in 1970. Ongoing efforts involve cleaning, conservation, and monitoring of the frescoes' condition.
White Tower– opening from 10:00 to 17:00
Constructed in 1658 during the tenure of Grand Master Martin de Redin, the L-Aħrax Tower, also known as the White Tower, stands as the sixth in a series of coastal fortifications financed entirely by de Redin himself. The total expenditure for all the towers, inclusive of woodwork, tallied just above 6428 scudi, with the L-Aħrax Tower itself amounting to 589 scudi, exclusive of the expenses for the wooden apertures.
Positioned strategically atop a hill nestled between the Daħlet ix-Xmajjar and Daħlet ta’ Eslien (now known as Daħlet it-Torri), the tower commands a commanding view over the Comino channel. Until the early 20th century, remnants of the Ħoslien Redoubt could be found in Ħoslien Bay, commemorated by an original plaque.
Mamo Tower – opening from 09:30 to 12:00
Contrary to popular belief, Mamo Tower, situated between Zurrieq and Marsascala in Malta, was not erected by the Order of St John but by the Mamo family in the mid-seventeenth century. Functioning as a fortified family stronghold, the tower was strategically positioned to defend against Ottoman threats from St Thomas’ Bay.
With a unique cross-shaped design resembling the cross of St Andrew, the tower features a bomb-proof central dome-roofed room leading to four smaller arms. Despite only one floor, it served as a coastal tower, enabling communication with neighbouring private towers.
In 1988, Din l-Art Ħelwa assumed guardianship, initiating extensive restoration efforts over the years. The tower, with a two-meter ditch housing a Roman tomb, is now a venue for small functions and heritage tours, attracting visitors to explore its rich historical legacy.
Wignacourt Tower – opening from 10:00 to 13:00
Built in 1610 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, this tower stands as Malta's oldest surviving coastal defence post, designed by the Maltese architect Vittorio Cassar. Initially serving as the northernmost defensive outpost until the construction of St Agatha’s Tower in Mellieha in 1649, it later saw enhancements such as the addition of a coastal battery in 1715.
Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations, serving as a police station and telegraph post. Leased to Din l-Art Helwa in 1970, the tower underwent extensive restoration led by architect Ray Vassallo between 1973-76 and again in 2014-2015.
Dwejra Tower – opening from 08:00 to 10:00
Situated in the captivating Dwejra area, the Dwejra Tower, also known as Qawra Tower, stands as a historical sentinel with a rich history of stories embedded in its stones. Built-in 1652 by the Università of Gozo and later equipped by the Order of St John to guard against Ottoman fleets, the tower occupies a site of immense geological, ecological, and historical importance.
Its strategic position overlooking the azure waters and where the iconic Azure Window once was made it a focal point for visitors and divers. In 1997, facing deterioration and vandalism, Din l-Art Ħelwa embarked on a restoration journey. Stone erosion, collapsed floors, and fire damage were meticulously addressed. In 2003, Din l-Art Ħelwa secured guardianship, ensuring the tower's preservation.
Xutu Tower – opening from 10:00 to 12:00
Ta' Xutu Tower, a historic coastal watchtower in Wied iż-Żurrieq, Malta, was built in 1648 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar. Serving as a prototype for later towers, it played a vital role in Malta's coastal defense. The tower fell into disuse after World War II, but in 2013, Din l-Art Ħelwa took over its restoration, which included extensive repairs to its structure and the surrounding landscape. Thanks to sponsorship from the Malta Airport Foundation, the tower reopened to the public in 2019 and is now a popular site for visitors and events.
Bir Miftuh – opening from 09:30 to 12:30
Built around 1430, the Gudja Chapel stands as a remarkably well-preserved fifteenth-century parish church in Malta. Initially declared a parish in 1436, it served multiple villages until 1676 when the Gudja Parish Church was erected. The chapel boasts a free-standing, plain rectangular design, measuring approximately eleven by fourteen meters.
Damaged during World War II, the chapel underwent restoration in 1942 and further refurbishment in 1970. Recent restoration work extends to the churchyard, completed in 2004.
Whether you're drawn to medieval charm, historical significance or panoramic views, there's something for every history enthusiast.
Are you planning to visit any of these historical sites this Sunday?