Gauci Tower, 16th century defensive tower in Naxxar, Malta
Gauci Tower is a two-story square structure located where two main streets intersect in the village. The building features decorative crenellations along each side and a carved stone band that visually divides its levels.
Francesco Gauci, a wealthy merchant, commissioned the tower before 1548 to shield his family from corsair raids that threatened the islands. It was part of the larger defensive strategy that protected communities from maritime attacks.
The tower was built as a private family stronghold when corsair attacks shaped daily life and safety concerns across the islands. It stands as a physical reminder of how families once fortified their homes against external threats.
The tower sits at a central location between two busy streets and is easy to reach on foot from the village center. You can view the exterior at any time, which gives you a clear look at the structure and its carved details.
During World War II, British forces converted the ground floor into an air-raid shelter for one of Malta's most senior judges. This unexpected wartime adaptation shows how historical structures were repurposed for sudden modern threats.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
