Ta' Ġawhar Tower, Fawwara Area Travel Guide

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Explore Ta' Ġawhar Tower in Safi, Malta: a remarkably preserved Punic-Roman defense tower with a rich history dating back to the Punic Wars.

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Ta' Ġawhar Tower

Ta' Ġawhar Tower is a well-preserved Punic-Roman tower in Safi, Malta, dating back to the Punic Wars. Explore the remains of this ancient structure, which stands as a testament to Malta's strategic importance throughout history.

A brief summary to Ta' Ġawhar Tower

RFMX+4RF, Safi, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground around the tower can be uneven.
Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the structure and surrounding landscape.
Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the site is exposed to the elements.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Torri Fawwara

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Fawwara Aqueduct

Explore Ta' Ġawhar Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ta' Ġawhar Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Safi, walk along Triq Ta' Ġawhar. The tower is located at the end of this road. The walk is relatively short and straightforward.
Public Transport

Take bus lines 117, 218, 71, or 73 to the 'Midri' bus stop in Safi. From there, it is a short walk along Triq Ta' Ġawhar to the tower. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 during the day and €3.00 at night.
Taxi

Take a taxi from Malta International Airport to Ta' Ġawhar Tower. The ride is approximately 20 minutes. A taxi ride will cost around €40.

Discover more about Ta' Ġawhar Tower

Ta' Ġawhar Tower, located in the village of Safi, Malta, is a remarkable remnant of the island's Punic-Roman past. This tower is the best-preserved of six Punic-Roman towers in Malta. It stands approximately seven wall courses high. Thought to have been built during the Punic Wars in the 3rd century BC, the tower was used through the Roman period until its destruction around the 3rd century AD.The tower's construction features large ashlar blocks, characteristic of Punic architecture. The walls are notably thick, measuring about 3 meters at the foundation, and the tower has an overall diameter of 14 to 16 meters. A rectangular cistern is attached to the tower. Excavations in the 1960s, led by archaeologist David Trump, unearthed several artifacts, including bronze buckets, a double-bladed axe head, a gold wire earring, and a carbonized bread roll. Two coins were also discovered: one minted in Malta in 35 BC and another from the 3rd century AD representing Roman emperor Claudius II Gothicus. These findings helped to date the tower's destruction to the late 3rd century AD, possibly linked to the invasion of the Heruli in 269.Today, Ta' Ġawhar Tower is a Grade 1 National Monument. It is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. Visitors can explore the site and imagine the lives of those who once defended Malta from this strategic vantage point.