Ta' Kenuna Tower: Gozo's Historic Semaphore Station

Perched on a hill 130 meters above sea level in Nadur, Gozo, Ta' Kenuna Tower is a historical landmark with stunning vistas. Built in 1848 by the British, it served as a semaphore tower, part of a network for maritime signaling and communication between Gozo and Malta. The name 'Ta' Kenuna' possibly derives from the word 'kenur,' referring to a place where fires were lit to signal enemy attacks in older times.The tower's strategic location allowed it to relay messages visually before the advent of electrical communication. The system became obsolete in 1883 with the introduction of the electrical telegraph, and the tower closed. Ta' Kenuna Tower consists of three floors, each containing a single room, linked by a spiral staircase.In 2005, the Nadur Local Council and Maltacom (now GO) sponsored restoration works. Today, it features a beacon to warn ships and communication antennas. The surrounding Ta' Kenuna Botanical Garden showcases native and exotic plants, offering tranquil pathways and scenic views.Currently (July 2025), Ta' Kenuna Tower and Gardens are closed to the public due to structural concerns caused by cliff erosion.