Discover Malta: De Redin Watchtowers


Copyright Paul Berman 2025 All Rights Reserved

A complete list of the De Redin Towers – the largest series of coastal watchtowers built by the Order of St John under Grand Master Martin de Redin in 1658–1659.

They were intended as a chain of 13 smaller towers along Malta’s coast, supplementing the earlier Wignacourt and Lascaris towers.

The De Redin Towers (1658–1659)

On Malta

1. Għallis Tower – at Salina.
2. Qalet Marku Tower - St. Mark's Tower – near Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq .
3. Madliena Tower – overlooking Pembroke.
  • 4. St George’s Tower – St Julian’s, inside modern hotel complex.
  • 5. St Julian’s Tower (Sliema Tower)
    6. Aħrax (White) Tower , L-Aħrax, Mellieħa.
  • 7. St Thomas Bay Tower (Munxar Tower, near Marsaskala) – now in ruins.
  • 8. Żonqor Tower – Marsaskala coast (demolished).
    9. Triq Il-WiesgĦa Tower , Zabbar.
  • 10. Figuella Tower – near Marsaxlokk (demolished).
  • 12. Delimara Tower – near Marsaxlokk (demolished).
  • 13. Vendôme Tower (Marsaxlokk) – survives, later incorporated into fortifications.
  • 14. Marsa Scirocco Tower (St Lucian’s subsidiary) – possibly a reference to Vendôme (sources vary).
  • 15. Ħamrija Tower – between Wied iż-Żurrieq and Mnajdra temples (survives).
    16. Wardija Tower – Limits of Żurrieq (survives).
    17. Għajn Ħadid Tower – Selmun area (ruined after earthquake).

    Bengħisa Tower, Ħal Far
    Triq Il-WiesgĦa Tower
    Xrob l-Għaġin, Marsaxlokk
    10 Delimara Tower, Delimara, Marsaxlokk

    (Note: Though tradition says “13 De Redin towers,” records suggest 16 were actually completed in Malta.)

    On Gozo & Comino

    No De Redin towers were constructed on Gozo or Comino.

    Instead, Gozo relied on Garzes Tower (1605–09, Wignacourt, later demolished) and the Knights’ later batteries.

    Comino was defended by St Mary’s Tower (1618, Wignacourt).

    So the De Redin system was confined to Malta itself.

    Architectural Style

    All were of a standard design:

    Square plan, about 12m per side, 2 storeys.

    Flat roof with parapet for signaling fires or a small gun.

    Doorway on first floor, reached by retractable ladder.

    Garrison: 4 men under a capo torriero.

    Summary

    The De Redin Towers (1658–59) formed the most systematic chain of watchtowers in Malta, 16 in total, all on Malta itself. None were built on Gozo or Comino. Today, about 9 survive (some ruined), while the rest have been demolished.