Here’s a detailed account of Dwejra Tower, one of Gozo’s most iconic coastal watchtowers:
Dwejra Tower (Torri tad-Dwejra)
📍 Location
Overlooks Dwejra Bay, in the limits of San Lawrenz, Gozo.
Built on the headland above Fungus Rock (Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral).
Coordinates: approx. 36.049465, 14.192287.
🏗️ Construction
Year built: 1652
Built under:Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris of the Knights of St John.
Type: One of the Lascaris coastal towers, part of the network of defensive watchtowers erected between 1637–1657.
Material: Local limestone.
Design:
Square plan, two-storey tower with flat roof and parapet.
Door originally accessed via a retractable ladder for security.
Small garrison space with cistern, storerooms, and rooftop lookout.
🔹 Purpose & Role
Constructed to guard Dwejra Bay, a small but strategic landing site on Gozo’s west coast.
Its main role was to protect Dwejra Bay and Fungus Rock, which was famed for its rare medicinal plant, the so-called “Maltese Fungus” (Cynomorium coccineum).
The plant was highly prized by the Knights and thought to have healing properties.
Strictly guarded: anyone caught attempting to harvest it without permission could be severely punished.
The tower was manned by a small garrison of soldiers who kept watch for enemy ships and smugglers.
It also acted as a signalling station, using fire/smoke to communicate with other nearby towers and Gozo’s central defences.
📜 Later History
Continued use during the 18th century as a coastal watchtower.
Fell into disrepair under British rule in the 19th century.
Restored in the late 20th century, and today it is in excellent condition.
🏛️ Modern Use
Managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a Maltese heritage NGO.
Open to visitors on certain days, offering exhibits on the tower’s history, coastal defence, and the ecology of Dwejra.
Popular with hikers and tourists exploring Dwejra Bay, Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea, and the (former) Azure Window site.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Built | 1652 |
| Builder | Grand Master Lascaris, Knights of St John |
| Function | Watchtower, protection of Fungus Rock |
| Key feature guarded | Medicinal “Maltese Fungus” |
| Later use | Coastal defence → heritage site |
| Condition today | Restored, open to visitors (managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa) |
✅ Summary: Dwejra Tower is a 17th-century Lascaris coastal watchtower, built to defend one of Gozo’s most scenic bays and safeguard the unique Maltese Fungus on Fungus Rock. Today it stands fully restored, serving as both a cultural landmark and an educational heritage site.
How to get there
🚗 By Car (easiest option)
From Victoria (Rabat, Gozo’s capital):
1. Drive west towards San Lawrenz (10–15 minutes).
2. Follow signs to Dwejra Bay / Azure Window.
3. Continue downhill until you reach the Dwejra parking area near the Inland Sea.
4. The tower is a short walk uphill to the left (south side of the bay).
✔️ Free parking is available close to the tower.
🚌 By Bus
From Victoria Bus Terminal: take Bus 311 (Victoria ↔ Dwejra).
Get off at the Dwejra stop (last stop).
From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the tower.
🚶 On Foot
Popular hiking area — you can walk from San Lawrenz village (~25–30 minutes downhill).
Scenic coastal walks connect Dwejra to Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs and other heritage sites.
🏛️ Visiting Info
Managed by: Din l-Art Ħelwa (Maltese heritage NGO).
Opening: The tower is usually open to the public on select days / by volunteers (check schedules locally or with Din l-Art Ħelwa).
Even when closed, the exterior is accessible and offers some of the best views in Gozo.
