The Red Tower Malta (Saint Agatha’s Tower)

Built in 1649, this tower, popularly known as the Red Tower Malta, was staffed during both World Wars. It has a 360-degree view over Gozo, Comino, and the Ghadira Nature Reserve. It’s an attraction well worth a visit.

On the crest of Marfa Ridge, this Tower can be found. A chapel dedicated to St Agatha was located in a tiny nook within the Tower. It’s also known as the Red Tower because of the colour it was painted in and how it was restored. During the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar, it was finished in 1649.

During the Knights of St John’s reign, this tower was one of the most important defensive sites, with cannon and a garrison of 30 men, as well as enough food and ammunition to endure a 40-day siege. A flight of steps leads up to the Tower’s entryway, which was once divided from the door by a drawbridge. It has a square design and four corner towers that rise from the base.

Small windows were made into the outside walls, which are around four metres thick. An eighteenth-century addition to the Tower’s rear flanks is a low star-shaped entrenchment that serves as a cannon platform. It was manned and used for defence purposes throughout the British period.

It was recently equipped as a radar station by the Malta Armed Forces. Toly Products, the Demajo Group, and Playmobil financed the first phase of the Tower’s restoration, which began in 1999 and ended in 2001. One turret was missing, while another was severely damaged, requiring the reconstruction of its walls and roof, as well as the replacement of degraded stone.

Visiting The Red Tower Malta

The Red Tower costs €2 to visit. It’s a short trip, but the view from the top of the tower makes it worthwhile. The White Tower, Saint Mary’s Tower (on Comino Island), and Lippija Tower may all be seen from there.