Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, Coastal watchtower in Mġarr ix-Xini Bay, Malta
Mġarr ix-Xini Tower is a square stone fortification that sits above the entrance to a small bay on Gozo's coast. The interior contains two levels connected by a spiral staircase, with a rooftop platform that served as a gun emplacement to command the water below.
The tower was built in 1661 by the Knights of Malta following designs by military engineer Mederico Blondel to defend the inlet from sea raiders. It represented part of a larger building campaign to fortify the islands against external threats.
The tower formed part of a chain of watchtowers designed by the military order to keep watch over coastal approaches and coordinate defensive movements across the islands.
The tower is typically accessible on Saturdays through a restored pathway that descends from the bay area up to the fortification. The location sits within a natural inlet setting, so visitors should expect steep terrain and proximity to water.
Unlike most watchtowers of this period, this fortification used permanent stone steps for access rather than removable ladders that could be drawn up for defense. The original drawbridge mechanism at the entrance is still visible, showing how carefully access to the tower was controlled.
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