Cavalier Tower, Medieval defense tower in Qrendi, Malta
Cavalier Tower is a limestone tower with an octagonal shape rising across three levels, with each story connected by stone moldings and topped by crenellations. The crenellations are supported by corbels, creating the characteristic medieval defensive structure.
The tower was built either in the late medieval period when Malta was part of the Kingdom of Sicily, or during the 16th century under the Order of Saint John. The exact dating remains uncertain, but both eras shaped the island's role as a strategic fortress.
The name 'Cavalier' refers to its use as a residence for a Captain of the Order of Saint John, reflecting his status in the Knights' hierarchy. The tower held importance for local people who could seek refuge within it during times of danger and conflict.
The tower remains a private residence and is not open to visitors, so viewing it from outside is the only option available. You can photograph the exterior from the street and observe its distinctive octagonal shape, but access to the interior or the underground shelter added in the twentieth century is not permitted.
This is the only octagonal tower in Malta, standing out among other fortifications for its unusual shape. Its entrance is cleverly integrated into an adjacent medieval building that once functioned as a mill room, creating a unique connection between the two structures.
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