Discover Delimara Lighthouse (Now deactivated, renovated)

Here is a complete, historically accurate profile of Delimara Lighthouse, one of Malta’s most important navigational lights.

📍 Delimara Lighthouse – Full Historical & Technical Details

Location: Delimara Point, Marsaxlokk Bay, Malta

Coordinates: 35.822036, 14.558922

Year built: 1854 (operational by 1855)

Builder: British Admiralty / Board of Trade

Construction: Limestone tower with attached keeper’s dwelling

Status: Historic lighthouse, inactive since 1990

Current use: Restored and used as rentable heritage accommodation (Din l-Art Ħelwa)

1. ORIGINS AND CONSTRUCTION (1850–1854)

After Malta became a major British naval base following 1814, safe navigation into Marsaxlokk Bay and along Malta’s southeast coast became crucial—especially for ships approaching Malta from Egypt and the Suez route.

In 1850, the British Admiralty commissioned a new lighthouse at Delimara Point. Construction:

Local Maltese limestone used for the entire structure

Built by Maltese stonemasons under British engineers

Total cost: approx. £4,000 (significant for the period)

Completed: 1854

First exhibited light: 1855

2. ARCHITECTURE

Tower

Height: 22 meters (approx. 72 ft)

Form: Cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern

Marking:

White tower

Black horizontal band** (added later in 20th century)

Material: Limestone (globigerina), with cast-iron lantern room

Keeper’s Houses

Two adjoining residences

Symmetrical, typical British colonial masonry style

Rainwater collection system with stone gutters and cistern

3. ORIGINAL OPTICAL APPARATUS (1855)

The first light used:

3rd-order Fresnel lens (French manufacture)

Illumination: Oil lamps with reflectors

Character: Fixed white light, visible along Malta’s southeast arc

Range: ~15 nautical miles

A Fresnel lens of this type was considered cutting-edge in the 1850s and drastically improved safety for steamers and merchant vessels.

4. UPGRADES (1870–1930)

The lighthouse underwent several major technical modernizations:

1870s – Mineral oil burners

Improved brightness and reliability.

1900s – Clockwork rotating mechanism added

The light changed from fixed to flashing, making it easier to identify.

1930s – Electrification

Electric bulbs replaced oil lamps

More powerful rotating lens apparatus

Visibility increased to ~20 nautical miles

New generators installed in a small power room attached to the keeper’s quarters

5. WORLD WAR II (1939–1945)

Delimara Lighthouse played a strategic role during WWII:

The light was extinguished or heavily restricted during air raids for blackout requirements.

The site was used as an observation position to monitor German and Italian naval and air activity around Marsaxlokk Bay.

The area around Delimara was fortified with machine-gun posts and watch positions.

The lighthouse survived despite heavy bombing in the region.

6. LATE 20th CENTURY MODERNIZATION

1970s

A new Automatic Beacon was installed nearby on the Delimara peninsula.

The original lighthouse continued operation, but its role was reduced.

1990 – Deactivation

The original 1854 tower was permanently retired, replaced by a modern automated navigation light operated by Transport Malta.

7. RESTORATION AND CURRENT USE

After deactivation, the lighthouse deteriorated until entrusted to the heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa.

Restoration (2006–2011)

Structural consolidation of stonework

Full restoration of keeper’s quarters

Reconstruction of lantern area

Installation of amenities for visitors

Removal of 20th-century accretions (rusted metal frames, cables)

Current function

The lighthouse is now one of Malta’s most scenic heritage accommodations:

Two self-catering apartments

Stunning views of Marsaxlokk Bay

Retains much of its historic character

It is also occasionally open for heritage tours.

8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS SUMMARY