Here’s a full historical overview of Ghallis Tower, one of Malta’s important watchtowers:
Ghallis Tower – Overview
History
Construction
Built in 1658 under Grand Master Martin de Redin.
Part of the series of 13 (later 16) De Redin Towers built around Malta’s coast in 1658–1659.
These were designed to form a continuous defensive chain, supplementing earlier Wignacourt and Lascaris towers.
Purpose
Primary role: early warning and surveillance of enemy vessels, especially corsairs.
Could signal neighboring towers using fire (by night) and smoke (by day).
In case of invasion, messengers would carry news inland to the cities.
Architecture
Standard De Redin design:
Square plan, approx. 12 m per side, two storeys high.
Sloping base and vertical upper walls.
First-floor entrance (originally accessed by a ladder).
Roof parapet with a flat platform for a small gun or signal fire.
Interior:
Ground floor for storage.
Upper floor as guardroom.
Access via internal stone staircase to the roof.
Garrison: typically 4 men and a capo torriero (head gunner).
Later History
18th century: Continued in use as part of Malta’s coastal warning system.
19th century (British era): Like most De Redin towers, it was neglected as new military technology (forts, batteries, and telegraphs) replaced watchtowers.
20th century: Fell into ruin; used as a landmark for fishermen and locals.
Restoration:
In the early 2000s, Din l-Art Ħelwa (Malta’s National Trust) restored the tower.
Work included rebuilding the roof, stabilising the structure, and making it safe.
Present Day
Għallis Tower is still standing and restored, part of Malta’s coastal heritage trail.
It remains closed to the public interior, but the exterior is well-preserved.
A key landmark on the Qawra coastline, popular with walkers and photographers.
Together with Qalet Marku Tower, it forms a visible link across Salina Bay, exactly as intended in the 17th century.
Location
Stands on Qawra Point (Punta tal-Għallis), Salina, northern Malta.
Coordinates: 35.953151, 14.434527.
Guards the Salina coast and could signal to towers at Qalet Marku and Madliena.
Summary
Għallis Tower (1658) is a De Redin coastal watchtower built to guard the Salina coastline and signal between Qawra and Madliena. Like all De Redin towers, it follows a standardised square-plan design, manned by a small garrison for signaling and observation. Abandoned in the British period, it was restored in the early 21st century and survives today as a proud reminder of Malta’s 17th-century defense network.
