Exploring the History and Beauty of Malta's Iconic Red Tower: A Guide to Visiting the Fortified Structure
by George Portelli
The History behind St Agatha's Tower
St. Agatha's Tower, commonly known as 'The Red Tower' (It-Torri L-Ahmar) is located in the picturesque rural outskirts of Mellieha. The structure is a stunning testament to the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John as part of Malta's coastal defence system, the tower stands tall and proud, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its imposing structure, with its thick walls and crenellated battlements, evokes a sense of grandeur and power. But beyond its military significance, the tower also holds a special beauty. The reddish stone from which it is constructed glows warmly in the sun, and the intricate details of its architecture are a marvel to behold.
It offers commanding views of the straits between Comino and Gozo and was most likely built in the same location as an earlier watchpost, which is listed in the Militia List of 1417. The tower was used to keep watch over enemy fleets entering Mellieha Bay and to maintain communication between Gozo, Comino and Mdina. The tower was named after Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr who was venerated as a symbol of strength against invasion and the plague in both Sicily and Malta. It was built by the Knights of St. John in 1647, for the security of the bay and the farmers in the vicinity. The engineer was Antonio Garsin who had submitted various plans and models before its construction. It is also known as The Red Tower because it was painted red to help sentinels in Naxxar and Mdina recognize it easily. However, it is possible that it earned its name from the reddish colour of the stone from which it was constructed.
It-Torri L-Ahmar's role in the Great Siege
During the Great Siege of 1565, St. Agatha's Tower played an imperative role in the defence of Malta against the Ottoman Empire. The tower was part of a well-established and structured network of coastal defence towers that were built by the Knights of St. John to protect the island from enemy invasion. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the entire northern coast of Malta and the Mediterranean sea. The tower's thick stone walls and large battlements offered protection against enemy fire, and its high vantage point allowed the soldiers to spot enemy ships from a great distance.
The Red Tower was manned by a small garrison of soldiers, who were responsible for keeping watch over the surrounding area and signalling the arrival of the enemy to the main fortifications. St Agatha's Tower was more than just a fortress, it could hold over 40 soldiers at once and serve as their main positional base. Despite constant bombardment from Ottoman artillery, St. Agatha's Tower managed to withstand the assault and remained standing, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. The tower's role in the defence of Malta during the Great Siege is a reminder of the island's enduring strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Red Tower as a Tourist Attraction
The historic significance of St Agatha's Tower has made it a popular tourist destination in Malta. In 2001, former President Guido de Marco officially reopened the fortified tower to the general public after a 3-year restoration process led and managed by Din L-Art Helwa. The Red Tower is open daily to the public, its unique combination of history, architecture and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable experience for those who visit. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and take in the panoramic vistas of the sea and the surrounding countryside, a truly unforgettable experience. The tower's location on the top of a hill overlooking the fauna and flora of L-Ahrax also makes it an ideal spot for viewing, where locals and tourists can appreciate and admire the breathtaking sunset and topography of the natural landscape.
It-Torri L-Ahmar is also the perfect place for a walk in the countryside, with the newly paved road leading to and from the historic tower, visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet, visit an iconic structure of Maltese history and admire Mellieha's gorgeous views all at once. As one approaches the tower, one can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the skill and craftsmanship. St. Agatha's Tower is not only a piece of history, but also a work of art. It continues to stand as a symbol of Malta's rich past and a reminder of the island's enduring strength and resilience.
