The Red Tower, Fawwara Area Travel Guide

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Explore the Red Tower in Mellieha: a historic watchtower with stunning views of Malta, Comino, and Gozo. A must-see landmark!

The Red Tower, or St. Agatha's Tower, is a prominent 17th-century watchtower in Mellieħa, Malta, offering panoramic views of Għadira Bay, Comino, and Gozo. Built by the Knights of St. John, it served as a crucial communication and defense post, and today stands as a testament to Malta's rich history.

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.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mellieha Bay, Popeye Village, or a boat trip to Comino's Blue Lagoon.
Wear comfortable shoes for the steep walk up to the tower.
Check the opening hours before you go, as they vary seasonally.

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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

Take bus routes 41, 42, 101, 221, or 222 to the 'Qammieħ' bus stop near Mellieha Bay. From there, it's a steep, approximately 10-minute uphill walk to the Red Tower. A single bus fare is around €1.50.
Car

Drive towards Mellieha and follow Triq Tad-Dahar. The Red Tower will be on your left. There is limited free parking available near the tower.
Taxi

Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt to book a taxi to the Red Tower. A short taxi ride from Mellieha Bay will cost approximately €10-€15.

Discover more about The Red Tower

Perched atop the Marfa Ridge in Mellieħa, the Red Tower, officially known as St. Agatha's Tower, is a commanding historical landmark. Constructed between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris of the Knights of St. John, it formed a vital part of Malta's coastal defense system. Its strategic location provided unobstructed views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, including the islands of Comino and Gozo, allowing for early detection of potential enemy invasions.The tower's design, attributed to architect Antonio Garsin, is unique among the Lascaris towers, bearing resemblance to earlier Wignacourt towers. The structure consists of a square tower with four corner turrets, each equipped with cannon ports to provide interlocking fields of fire. The outer walls are approximately four meters thick, and the interior is enclosed by a barrel-vaulted roof. A chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr, was also incorporated within the tower.Throughout its history, the Red Tower played a significant role in Malta's defense. It was manned by a garrison of up to 30 men and stocked with enough ammunition and supplies to withstand a 40-day siege. The tower also served as a signaling post, facilitating communication between Malta and Gozo. In later years, the tower continued to be used for military purposes, including during the British period and both World Wars.Today, the Red Tower is managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving Malta's heritage. Visitors can explore the tower's interior, ascend to the rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views, and learn about its history through exhibits and displays. The Red Tower stands as a reminder of Malta's strategic importance and the enduring legacy of the Knights of St. John.