Weekend plans sorted! Six historical sites in Malta opening their doors to the public this Sunday
Bir Miftuh, Msida Bastion Garden, Wignacourt Tower and Xutu Tower, among others, will be open this Sunday.
If you're looking to start March with some local tourism, Din l-Art Helwa have got you covered with weekend activities and a cultural treat for history enthusiasts in Malta.
On Sunday 4th May, Din l-Art Helwa will be opening the doors to eight historical sites, offering a unique glimpse into Malta’s past.
Bir Miftuh - opening from 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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.
Msida Bastion Garden - opening from 9:30 AM to 12 PM
The site formerly known as the Msida Bastion Cemetery served as a Protestant burial ground from 1806 to 1857. Restored over a decade-long effort in the 1990s, it earned the prestigious Silver Medal from Europa Nostra in 2002. In 2004, a small museum was added, enriching the site’s historical significance.
The most famous Maltese buried here is Mikiel Anton Vassalli, often hailed the 'father of the Maltese language'. Vassalli passed away on January 12, 1829, at about 64 years old. Known for his strained relationship with the Catholic Church, he translated the New Testament into Maltese against ecclesiastical wishes. His wife joined him in eternal rest at the cemetery in 1851.
After years of deterioration due to weather and vandalism, the site’s gardens were restored in the 1990s, recapturing their historical charm. Today, the Msida Bastion Historic Garden stands as a poignant reminder of Malta’s multicultural past and a testament to its preservation efforts.
Wignacourt Tower - opening from 10 AM to 1 PM
This historic tower, constructed in 1610 under the direction of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, stands as Malta’s oldest surviving coastal defense post. It was the first in a series of coastal towers designed to protect Malta’s shores and was crafted by renowned Maltese architect Vittorio Cassar.
Originally, the tower’s sole entrance was on the first floor, accessible only via a drawbridge connected to a stone staircase. This design provided an added layer of security. Unfortunately, in the early 1960s, the original stone steps were removed as they were deemed an obstruction to traffic in front of the tower. The current ground-floor entrance was not part of the original structure and reflects later modifications.
Despite these changes, the tower remains a testament to Malta’s rich history of fortifications and stands as a proud symbol of the island’s resilience and strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
Xutu Tower - opening from 10 AM to 12 PM
Xutu Tower, located in Wied iz-Zurrieq, was constructed during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar, likely in 1648. Historical records show that its construction was ordered by the Grand Master on January 13, 1647. This tower holds particular significance as it was the last built under Lascaris’ leadership.
Architecturally, Xutu Tower is notable for its innovative design, which featured a vaulted ceiling capable of supporting heavy mounted cannons. This was a significant improvement over earlier Lascaris towers, whose wooden-beam roofs could not bear the weight of heavy ordnance. The design set a precedent and served as a prototype for the towers later commissioned by Grand Master de Redin.
Over time, the tower’s military role diminished with advancements in modern warfare, including the advent of airplanes. As its strategic importance waned, the tower fell into disrepair. Fortunately, it was meticulously restored and reopened to the public in 2019, reclaiming its former glory and continuing to stand as a historical treasure of Malta’s rich architectural heritage.
Dwejra Tower - opening from 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Dwejra Tower is a historic watchtower located on the cliffs of Dwejra, Gozo, overlooking the stunning coastal landscape. Built by the Knights of St. John in 1652, it served as a defensive outpost to guard against pirates and invaders, as well as to protect the nearby Fungus Rock, which was prized for its medicinal plant.
Over the centuries, the tower fell into disrepair but was later restored and is now maintained by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a heritage organization. Today, Dwejra Tower stands as a testament to Malta’s rich history, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and rugged terrain.
Red Tower - opening from 10 AM to 5 PM
St Agatha’s Tower, spectacularly situated at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha on the Marfa ridge, overlooks Ghadira Bay, the bird sanctuary, and the straits between Comino and Gozo. Built by the Knights of St John between 1647 and 1649, the tower replaced an earlier watch-post listed in the Militia List of 1417. Offering a critical line of communication with other towers and Mdina, it provided views of Comino’s Santa Marija Tower, the White Tower at L-Armier, and Lippija Tower above Gnejna Bay. The tower’s name comes from an altar dedicated to St Agatha, a martyr venerated for protection against invasion and plague. Later painted red, it became known as the Red Tower, a vital landmark for navigation. By the 1970s, the tower had fallen into disrepair, prompting Din l-Art Helwa to lobby for its restoration.
The tower, square with turrets at each corner, was engineered to resist cannon fire and serve as a signal station. It housed a chapel, a water cistern, and garrisoned soldiers armed to defend Mellieha Bay. During the French invasion of 1798, it remained operational under French commanders but later fell under British use. Throughout the 20th century, it served roles during both World Wars, including as a signal station and coastal watch post. By 1999, with significant corporate sponsorship, Din l-Art Helwa restored the tower, rebuilding its turrets, staircase, and walls, and reopened it in 2001. Further exterior restorations were conducted in 2007 to preserve its historical integrity.
Today, the tower remains a cultural and environmental icon. Managed by Din l-Art Helwa under a guardianship deed, it is open to the public and integrated into broader conservation efforts, including the Mediterranean woodland rehabilitation nearby. Regular maintenance ensures its preservation, with hydraulic lime plaster protecting its facades.
Whether you're drawn to the medieval charm of Bir Miftuh or the panoramic views and peace of the Msida Bastion Garden, there's something for every history enthusiast.
Are you planning to visit any of these historical sites this Sunday?