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Belvedere Tower: A Neoclassical Folly in Lija

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Discover the historic Belvedere Tower in Lija, Malta, a symbol of neoclassical architecture and 19th-century Maltese heritage.

The Belvedere Tower in Lija, Malta, is a 19th-century neoclassical structure built in 1857 as a folly within the gardens of Villa Gourgion. Designed by architect Giuseppe Bonavia, it now stands on a roundabout, a landmark in the village.

A brief summary to Belvedere Tower

  • WC2X+QFQ, Lija, MT

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the tower to admire its architecture and capture photos from different angles.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the charming village of Lija to experience the local atmosphere.
  • Visit nearby Villa Parisio to see more of Malta's picturesque sites.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Belvedere Tower is accessible by bus. Several bus routes serve Lija, including routes 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 54, 250, and 260. From Valletta, you can take bus 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 250, or 260. A single day journey bus ticket costs €2.50. You can pay on the bus with a bank-issued card or with cash, but exact change may be required. Alternatively, the Tallinja card offers cheaper fares. The nearest bus stop to the Belvedere Tower is Portelli, which is a 1-minute walk away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Malta and can take you directly to the Belvedere Tower in Lija. Taxi services like Bolt, Uber, and eCabs operate in the area. A taxi ride from Malta International Airport to Lija costs approximately €22-€26 and takes about 11 minutes. A 5km taxi ride in Lija costs around €22.5 EUR. Keep in mind that fares may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

  • Walking

    The Belvedere Tower is located in the heart of Lija and is easily accessible on foot. If you are already in Lija, you can walk to the tower from most points in the village. From the Portelli bus stop, it is a short walk to the tower. The tower is situated on a roundabout on Transfiguration Avenue (Vjal it-Transfigurazzjoni), making it easy to spot.

Discover more about Belvedere Tower

The Lija Belvedere Tower, known locally as Torri Belvedere, is an iconic landmark in the village of Lija, Malta. Constructed in 1857 by architect Giuseppe Bonavia, the tower was originally a folly within the private gardens of the 17th-century Villa Gourgion, owned by the Marquis Depiro. The tower served as a symbol of wealth and power, visible from the surrounding areas.In the 1950s, the gardens were partially destroyed to make way for Transfiguration Avenue, but the belvedere was preserved and integrated into a roundabout, solidifying its status as a local landmark. The tower has undergone restoration, including a project completed between 1995 and 1996, and more recently in 2021. It is a Grade 1 listed property by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and is part of the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.The tower's architecture showcases a neoclassical style, built with globigerina limestone. It has a circular plan and consists of four levels. The ground floor features a central core used as a store, with a staircase wrapping around it. The first level has a colonnaded porch with decorative ionic capitals, and a spiral staircase leads to the third level with a terrace. The fourth level has a narrow terrace with a wrought iron railing and a semi-circular dome. The villa and gardens were also the site of meetings to discuss the first conception of the Maltese Constitution in 1921.

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