Belvedere Tower: A Lija Landmark

The Lija Belvedere Tower, known locally as Torri Belvedere, is an iconic landmark in the village of Lija, Malta. Constructed in 1857 by architect Giuseppe Bonavia, the tower was originally a folly within the private gardens of Villa Gourgion, belonging to the Marquis Depiro. It symbolized the power and wealth of its owners, visible from the surrounding areas.The tower's design showcases a neoclassical style, built with globigerina limestone. It comprises four levels, featuring a circular plan. The ground floor has a central core used as a small store, with a monumental staircase wrapping around it. The first level includes a colonnaded porch with decorative ionic capitals, while a spiral staircase provides access to the third level, which has a small terrace. The fourth level features a narrow terrace with a wrought iron railing, topped by a small semi-circular dome.In the 1950s, part of Villa Gourgion's gardens was removed to make way for Transfiguration Avenue. The Belvedere Tower was retained as a roundabout, becoming a well-known landmark. The tower has undergone restoration, including a project completed in 1996, and is listed as a Grade 1 property. It is also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands as part of Villa Gourgion. The tower is a key part of a historic walking tour of Lija, Attard, and Balzan.