Qawra Tower, Historic watchtower in St. Paul's Bay, Malta
Qawra Tower is a rectangular stone structure in St. Paul's Bay with two floors, each containing a single room connected by an internal staircase. The tower stands on the coastline and commands views of the sea from its vantage points.
The Knights of St. John built Qawra Tower in 1638 as part of a coastal defense network to protect the island from seaborne attacks. A semi-circular battery with blockhouses was added later to strengthen the fortification.
The tower reflects the defensive thinking of the 17th century, when coastal communities needed protection from sea raids. Visitors can see how such structures shaped life along the shore and represented the power of those who ruled the island.
The tower now functions as a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals and drinks while taking in the coastal setting. Access depends on restaurant hours, so checking ahead before visiting is helpful for planning your time.
Adjacent to the tower stands a semi-circular artillery battery that was later equipped with two blockhouses featuring musketry loopholes. This addition shows how defense systems evolved to meet changing threats over time.
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