St. Agatha's Tower (The Red Tower): A Sentinel of Malta

St. Agatha's Tower, commonly known as the Red Tower, is a commanding bastioned watchtower in Mellieħa, Malta. Constructed between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar, it formed a crucial part of Malta's coastal defense network. The tower's location on the Marfa Ridge provided strategic oversight of Mellieħa Bay and the approaches to the island, allowing it to communicate with other towers as far as Gozo and Valletta. The tower's design, attributed to the French military engineer Antonio Garsin, is unique compared to other Lascaris towers, featuring a square plan with four corner turrets. Its thick walls, originally accessed via a drawbridge, were built to withstand artillery fire. Inside, vaulted rooms provided shelter for the garrison and storage for supplies. The name 'St. Agatha's Tower' comes from a chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr, symbolizing strength against invasion. The tower's red color, which led to its popular name, 'Red Tower,' made it easily recognizable to other towers in the communication chain. Throughout its history, the Red Tower has played various roles, including serving as a telecommunications station during World War II. Neglected for a time, it was restored between 1999 and 2001 by Din l-Art Ħelwa. Today, the Red Tower is open to the public, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Malta's military past.