St Thomas Tower, 17th-century watchtower in Marsaskala, Malta
St Thomas Tower is a fortified watchtower with five-sided bastioned turrets positioned at each corner and thick limestone walls that overlook the sea. The structure still features an original wooden drawbridge, a rare surviving example of this defensive element.
The tower was designed in 1614 by architect Vittorio Cassar and built as part of the Order of St John's defensive network against seaborne raids. This building period marked a turning point when Malta systematically expanded its coastal protection system.
The tower sits at a location where coastal communities have gathered for centuries, and its presence shapes how people experience this fishing harbor today. Locals use the structure as a landmark and reference point in their daily relationship with the waterfront.
The tower is easily accessible from the town center and can be viewed from outside, with the grounds around the structure open for exploration. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when sunlight hits the walls clearly and views across the water are unobstructed.
The tower was one of the most expensive building projects of its time, reflecting the military importance placed on protecting the islands from the sea. The high cost demonstrated that Malta prioritized securing its waters and invested heavily in solid defensive structures.
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