St. Agatha's Tower, Coastal watchtower in Mellieħa, Malta.
Description
St. Agatha's Tower is a coastal watchtower in Mellieħa with a square structure, four corner turrets, and red-painted walls measuring 4 meters (13 feet) thick. It overlooks Mellieħa Bay and the surrounding islands.
History
The Order of Saint John built this defensive tower between 1647 and 1649 under architect Antonio Garsin to monitor approaching enemy fleets. Construction was part of a broader strategy to fortify Malta's coastline against attacks.
Culture
The tower takes its name from a small chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha that sits within its vaulted rooms. This chapel reflects the local religious customs that have shaped the community for generations.
Practical
The organization Din l-Art Ħelwa maintains the tower and provides visitor access along with educational displays about Malta's military architecture. Expect steep stairs and tight spaces, especially when climbing to the upper levels.
Did you know?
The tower includes an underground water cistern that collects and stores rainwater channeled through a sophisticated roof drainage system. This system reveals how the garrison managed fresh water scarcity, a constant challenge for isolated coastal outposts.
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