Bubaqra Tower, Fortified house in Żurrieq, Malta
Bubaqra Tower is a square limestone structure with four corner turrets standing within an agricultural estate surrounded by citrus gardens in southern Malta. The building combines residential use with defensive features typical of rural manor houses from its period.
Don Matteolo Pisani, a Conventual Chaplain of the Order of St. John, built this defensive structure in 1579 as a country residence. In the 18th century, Grand Master Marc'Antonio Zondadari added the four corner turrets to strengthen its defensive capability.
The tower entrance displays an inscription asking for divine protection against enemies, reflecting how defense concerns shaped daily life for 16th century residents. This religious message shows what people worried about when they lived in country estates like this one.
This Grade 1 national monument remains a private residence, so interior access is not available to visitors. However, you can easily view the exterior and its distinctive turrets from the surrounding roads and paths.
The four corner turrets that define the tower's appearance today were added centuries after it was first built. This later modification shows how defensive needs evolved over time in Malta.
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