The Red Tower, Blue Lagoon Travel Guide

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Explore the Red Tower in Mellieħa: a historic fortress with stunning views of Malta's coastline and a rich military past.

The Red Tower, officially St. Agatha's Tower, is a prominent historical landmark in Mellieħa, Malta. Built in 1649 by the Order of Saint John, it served as a vital communication and defense post, offering panoramic views of the Maltese islands. Its distinctive red color and robust architecture make it a must-see attraction.

A brief summary to The Red Tower

Triq Tad-Dahar, Mellieħa, MT
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Red Tower.

Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments are not accepted.
Visit in the late afternoon to capture beautiful sunset views and enhance the tower's red hues.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mellieħa Bay or the Blue Lagoon for a full day of exploration.
Check the opening hours before you go, as they vary depending on the season.

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Explore The Red Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Red Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From Valletta, take bus line 41 or 42 towards Ċirkewwa. The bus trip costs €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter. Get off at the Qammieħ bus stop, which is at the base of the hill. From there, walk uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the Red Tower.
Car

Drive towards Mellieħa and follow the signs for the Red Tower. There is parking available near the tower, though spaces may be limited. Be prepared for a steep, uphill walk from the parking area to the tower entrance.
Taxi

Take a taxi from Mellieha. A taxi from Mellieha to the Red Tower will be a short trip. Taxi fares vary, but expect to pay around €10-€15 for a short trip within Mellieha.

Discover more about The Red Tower

St. Agatha's Tower, better known as the Red Tower, stands proudly on the Marfa Ridge in Mellieħa, offering commanding views of Għadira Bay, Comino, and Gozo. Constructed between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar, it was a crucial part of Malta's coastal defense system. The tower's strategic location allowed for effective communication between Valletta and Gozo, with messages relayed from tower to tower.The Red Tower is a square building with four turrets at its corners. Its thick walls, approximately four meters in width, provided robust protection against attacks. Originally armed with cannons and manned by a garrison of up to 30 soldiers, the tower could withstand sieges lasting up to 40 days. The entrance was once accessed via a drawbridge, adding to its defensive capabilities. The tower gets its name from its red color, which may have been chosen to make it easily recognizable from other towers.Throughout its history, the Red Tower has played various roles, including serving as a radar station during the British period and World Wars. Today, managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa, it is open to the public, offering a glimpse into Malta's military past. Visitors can explore the tower's interior, admire the panoramic views from the rooftop, and learn about its history through exhibits.