St. Mary's Tower, Coastal defensive tower in Għajnsielem, Malta.
St. Mary's Tower is a stone fortification standing on the southeastern coast of Gozo with thick walls and 17th-century architectural features. The structure rises on elevated ground and commands views over the sea and surrounding landscape.
The tower was built in 1618 by architect Vittorio Cassar as part of the Knights' defensive network. It was constructed during a period when coastal areas needed protection from pirate raids and foreign powers.
The tower demonstrates the military engineering skills of the Knights' era and represents how they protected their territories. Walking around it, you can see the careful placement on the coastline and understand their defensive priorities.
You can reach the tower by following marked paths from Mġarr Harbor, where guided visits are offered regularly. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path crosses uneven ground and rocky terrain.
The tower preserves its original communication system that allowed guards to send messages between coastal watchtowers using fire and light signals. This messaging network was remarkably efficient for coastal defense of its era.
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