The Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower)
Price guide: Budget
Marfa Ridge, Mellieha
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#3 of 4
expert-rated things to do in Mellieha- Recommended for:
- Culture vultures, First-time travellers, Seasoned travellers, Great views / scenery, History, Sightseeing
Expert review of The Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower)
Enjoy superb panoramic views of Malta, Comino and Gozo from this Knights-period watchtower.
During the reign of the Knights of St John, Malta was always at risk from the Ottoman Turks keen to take the islands for their own, as well as from opportunistic pirates. The Red Tower was built in 1647-8 to defend the Straits of Comino (it had cannons on its roof and up to 49 men) and to communicate warning of attack via other towers (by flag or fire on their roofs) to the capital Valletta.
Climb up to the roof with its four corner turrets and you can see exactly why the Knights built on this spot: the 360º view is spectacular encompassing most of Northern Malta, Comino and Gozo. There are clear lines of sight to the Comino Tower and the White Tower (at the other end of the Marfa Peninsula).
Price advice:
Entry is 1.50 euros or free to members of the National Trust because it is run by Malta's National Trust, Din L'Art Helwa. Donations are always welcome.
Expert tips:
If you are travelling with young children be aware that the roof of the Red Tower has only a low wall around it.
It is possible to walk or drive out past the Red Tower through the garigue (typical cliff top vegetation) to the tip of the headland for more amazing views along the coast and across to the Ta’ Cenc cliffs in Gozo. This is an excellent place for birdwatching in spring. The birds are good in autumn too but then you share the place with bird hunters.
More information on The Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower):
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Historic site, Viewpoint
- Address:
- Marfa Ridge, Mellieha
- Telephone:
- 21 215 222 / 21 225 952
- Website:
- http://www.dinlarthelwa.org/content/view/46/55/
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Closed Sundays.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Both
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Tower, Knights, watchtower
