The Red Tower, Buskett Gardens Travel Guide

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Explore the Red Tower in Mellieħa: a historic watchtower with stunning panoramic views of the Maltese islands and rich cultural heritage.

The Red Tower, officially St. Agatha's Tower, is a 17th-century fortification in Mellieħa, Malta. Built by the Order of Saint John, it served as a vital communication link between Malta and Gozo. Its commanding views and distinctive red hue make it a prominent landmark.

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.

Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting and stunning sunset views.
Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is some walking involved to reach the tower.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the tower.

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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

Public Transport

From Mellieha Bay, take bus routes 41, 42, 221, 222, or 101 towards Ċirkewwa. Alight at the 'Qammieh' bus stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute uphill walk to the Red Tower. A single bus journey costs around €2.50 in the summer and €2.00 in the winter.
Car

From Mellieha Bay, head north on Triq Il-Mellieħa towards Triq Tad-Dahar. Continue on Triq Tad-Dahar for about 1.5 km until you see the Red Tower on your left. There is a small parking area near the tower. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak tourist season.
Taxi

From Mellieha, a taxi to the Red Tower will cost approximately €9.00, with a starting price of around €3.00. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also available. The journey takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about The Red Tower

Perched on the Marfa Ridge in Mellieħa, the Red Tower, or St. Agatha's Tower, stands as a testament to Malta's strategic importance throughout history. Constructed in 1647 by the Order of Saint John under Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar, it formed part of a network of coastal defenses. The tower's location provided crucial communication links between Malta and Gozo, warning of potential invasions.The tower's design, attributed to the French military engineer Antonio Garsin, features a square plan with four corner turrets, each with thick walls for defense. A drawbridge originally provided access to the main entrance. Inside, the tower housed a garrison of up to 30 men, with enough ammunition and food to withstand a 40-day siege. The tower is named after Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr, and was painted red to enhance its visibility as a signal tower.Throughout the British period and both World Wars, the Red Tower continued to serve a military function, even being used as a radar station. In the late 20th century, the tower fell into disrepair but was meticulously restored between 1999 and 2001 by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a Maltese heritage organization. Today, visitors can explore the tower, admire the panoramic views of Mellieħa Bay, Comino, and Gozo, and learn about its rich history.