🏰 Captain’s Tower (Torri tal-Kaptan), Naxxar
📍 Location
Situated in Naxxar, in the central region of Malta.
Found within the urban core of the town, close to Naxxar Parish Church.
📜 Historical Background
The Captain’s Tower (Maltese: Torri tal-Kaptan) is believed to date back to the late medieval or early Hospitaller period (15th–16th century).
It is considered one of the oldest surviving towers in Malta still standing today.
The tower was associated with the local captain of the militia (Capo delle Milizie) during the time of the Order of St John, hence its name.
The militia captain (or kaptan) was a key figure responsible for the defense and organization of Naxxar and its surrounding countryside, especially before the systematic coastal watchtower network was built in the 17th century.
The tower’s elevated position allowed it to serve as both a residence and a defensive structure.
🏗️ Architectural Features
Square-plan tower with thick limestone walls.
Small rectangular windows and gunloops, providing both light and defensive capability.
Originally had two levels plus a rooftop platform.
Access was likely through a raised entrance for security reasons, a common feature of medieval fortified residences.
The tower’s design reflects its dual role as a fortified home and lookout post.
⚔️ Role in Local Defense
Before the construction of the De Redin and Wignacourt coastal towers, inland towers like the Captain’s Tower served as administrative and defensive hubs for the local militia.
Naxxar was historically significant as a central stronghold, linked to the protection of the north of Malta.
Oral tradition also associates Naxxar with offering refuge to shipwreck survivors, including a long-standing connection to the Pauline tradition of Malta.
🌍 Later Use & Present Day
Over the centuries, the Captain’s Tower lost its military function and became integrated into the urban fabric of Naxxar.
The tower is now privately owned and preserved as part of a residential property, but its historic exterior is still visible.
It is listed as a Grade 1 National Monument by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA, now PA), ensuring its protection.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | Captain’s Tower (Torri tal-Kaptan) |
| Location | Naxxar, Malta |
| Built | 15th–16th century (Late Medieval / Early Hospitaller) |
| Function | Residence & militia headquarters / defensive tower |
| Name Origin | From the militia captain (kaptan) who lived there |
| Status Today | Preserved, private residence, protected monument |
✅ Summary:
The Captain’s Tower in Naxxar is one of Malta’s earliest surviving fortified towers, dating to the 15th–16th century. Built as the residence of the local militia captain, it combined defensive and administrative functions long before the Order of St John developed Malta’s coastal defense network. Today, it stands as a well-preserved Grade 1 protected monument, integrated into Naxxar’s urban core and a reminder of Malta’s medieval defensive organisation.
