Belvedere Tower, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Discover the historic Lija Belvedere Tower, a neoclassical gem offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Malta's rich heritage.

The Belvedere Tower in Lija, Malta, is a 19th-century neoclassical folly built in 1857 by architect Giuseppe Bonavia. Originally part of the gardens of Villa Gourgion, it now stands on a roundabout, a testament to Lija's rich history.

A brief summary to Belvedere Tower

WC2X+QFQ, Lija, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Belvedere Tower.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around the tower involves some walking on uneven paths.
Check local schedules for any guided tours to gain deeper insights into the tower's history.

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Explore Belvedere Tower on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus line 41 towards Ċirkewwa. The bus departs from the Marina, L-Imsida station and arrives at the Wiji, Ħal Lija stop. The journey takes approximately 9 minutes and costs €3. From the Wiji bus stop, the tower is a short walk away.
Walking

From the center of Lija, the Belvedere Tower is easily accessible on foot. Follow Triq it-Transfigurazzjoni; the tower is situated on a roundabout along this road. The walk is short and straightforward.

Discover more about Belvedere Tower

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.