Round Tower, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Discover Hamrun's hidden gem: a historic 17th-century water tower showcasing Malta's engineering and cultural heritage.

The Round Tower in Hamrun, Malta, is a historic 17th-century water inspection tower built by the Knights of St. John as part of the Wignacourt Aqueduct. Wedged between modern buildings, this architectural gem offers a glimpse into Malta's rich history and engineering ingenuity.

A brief summary to Round Tower

VFPP+F7P, San Gejtanu, Hamrun, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Look closely for the Wignacourt coat of arms and Latin inscription on the tower's facade.
Combine your visit with a walk around Hamrun to experience the local culture and see other historical structures.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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St. John's Co-Cathedral

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City Gate

Explore Round Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Round Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Round Tower is located in the heart of Hamrun and is easily accessible on foot. From the Hamrun city center, walk along the main road, Triq il-Kbira, until you reach Triq San Gejtanu. Turn onto Triq San Gejtanu, and the Round Tower will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Hamrun is well-connected by Malta's extensive bus network. Several bus routes pass near the Round Tower, including routes 13, 44, 51, 54 and 82. From Valletta, take any of these buses towards Hamrun and get off at the Bombi bus stop. From the bus stop, walk along Triq San Gejtanu for about 5 minutes until you reach the Round Tower. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 during the day and €3.00 at night.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Malta and can take you directly to the Round Tower. From Valletta, a taxi ride to the Round Tower will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Hamrun start at €5.00, with an additional €2.00 per kilometer. A 5km ride would cost approximately €17. Consider using ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs for potentially better rates.

Discover more about Round Tower

Nestled in the bustling town of Hamrun, the Round Tower, also known as Il-Monument tat-Tromba or it-Turretta ta' Atocja, stands as a proud reminder of Malta's intricate past. Constructed in 1615, this cylindrical tower was an integral part of the Wignacourt Aqueduct, a remarkable feat of engineering by the Knights of St. John. The tower served as a crucial water inspection site, ensuring the purity of the water flowing into Valletta.As you approach the Round Tower, you'll notice its unique design, a circular structure that contrasts with the modern buildings surrounding it. The tower bears the Wignacourt coat of arms and a Latin inscription that translates to "As there is life in water, life started from water". This inscription highlights the vital role of water in sustaining life and civilization.While the tower is no longer in use and is in a dilapidated state, it remains a significant landmark in Hamrun, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich cultural and military history. The Round Tower is a testament to the ingenuity and strategic importance of fortifications in Malta's past.