The Red Tower, Gharb Travel Guide

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Explore the Red Tower in Mellieħa: a historic watchtower with stunning views of Malta's coastline and islands.

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The Red Tower

The Red Tower, officially St. Agatha's Tower, is a prominent 17th-century watchtower in Mellieħa, Malta. Perched on the Marfa Ridge, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Malta's strategic past.

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.

Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary.
Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the tower.
Bring water, especially during summer, as there is little shade.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mellieha Bay or Popeye Village.

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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 Valletta or Mellieha, take bus lines 41 or 42 to the Qammieħ bus stop. If coming from Sliema/St Julian's, use bus lines 221 or 222. From the Qammieħ bus stop, it's approximately a 5-minute uphill walk to the Red Tower. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 during the summer and less during the winter.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Mellieħa. A taxi ride from the Mellieha town center to the Red Tower will take approximately 10 minutes. Using ride-sharing apps like Bolt (similar to Uber) can simplify the process. A one-way trip will likely cost between €15-€20.
Car

Drive towards the northern part of Malta and follow signs for Mellieħa. Once in Mellieħa, follow the signs for the Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower). There are a few parking spaces available near the tower. Parking is free. Be aware that the road leading to the tower is quite steep.

Discover more about The Red Tower

St. Agatha's Tower, commonly known as the Red Tower, stands proudly on the Marfa Ridge in Mellieħa, offering commanding views of Għadira Bay, Comino, and Gozo. Constructed between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar, it was a crucial part of Malta's coastal defense system.The tower's name originates from a chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr, within its walls. However, it became widely known as the Red Tower due to its distinctive red color, which aided recognition from other towers like the White Tower and Santa Maria Tower on Comino. The tower's strategic location allowed for effective communication between Gozo, Comino, and Mdina, relaying warnings of approaching enemy fleets.The Red Tower is a square structure with four corner turrets and walls four meters thick. It was originally armed with cannons and stocked with enough supplies to withstand a 40-day siege. Throughout its history, the tower has served various purposes, including as a British defense post during both World Wars and later as a radar station by the Armed Forces of Malta. Din l-Art Ħelwa, a heritage organization, restored the tower between 1999 and 2001, ensuring its preservation for future generations.Visitors can explore the tower's interior, discover historical exhibits, and ascend to the roof for breathtaking 360-degree views. The surrounding area offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape.