Mamo Tower, Coastal defense tower in Marsaskala, Malta.
Mamo Tower is a multi-sided stone structure standing on elevated ground above St Thomas Bay with a central hall and surrounded by a deep ditch. The location on rising terrain gives the tower clear views of the water and allows visitors to see across the bay and the surrounding coastline.
Construction began in 1657 by the Mamo family, skilled builders who created fortifications for the Order of Saint John at key locations across Malta. This tower became part of a wider coastal defense network protecting the island against seaborne threats.
The tower shows how coastal residents lived and defended themselves at the same time in the 17th century. Living quarters and defensive features were combined into a single structure that served both military and domestic needs.
The tower is only open on certain days of the week, so check ahead before planning your visit. The climb involves steep, narrow stairs inside, but reaching the top gives you views across the bay and the surrounding water.
During excavation of the defensive ditch, workers discovered remains of an ancient burial site from Phoenician or Roman times. This archaeological find reveals that the location had human activity long before the tower was built.
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