St. Mary's Tower, Coastal defensive tower in Għajnsielem, Malta.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of...
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