🏰 Madliena Tower (Torre della Paulina), Pembroke
📍 Location
Limits of Pembroke, Malta. It was completed in 1658 as the fourth of the De Redin towers. The British built an artillery battery next to the tower in 1908–1909, and the tower and battery remained in use until World War II.
Madliena (Swieqi), Malta – overlooking the coastline between St. George’s Bay and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
Coordinates: 35.936460, 14.473185
Part of the defensive network that could communicate visually with St. George’s Tower, Għallis Tower, and other nearby posts.
🏰 History of Madliena Tower
Construction Date: 1658
Builder: The Order of St John, under Grand Master Martin de Redin, as part of the coastal defense system and was the 4th Tower.
Purpose: To guard the stretch of coast between St. Paul’s Bay and St. George’s Bay. Its role was to detect corsair ships and signal to nearby towers and inland defenses.
📖 Historical Timeline
1659: Built as part of the De Redin Tower chain (13 coastal watchtowers in Malta).
18th century: Still in active use, linked with nearby entrenchments and batteries.
1798–1800: During the French occupation of Malta, the tower continued as part of local defense lines.
British Period (19th–20th century):
Extensively modified and upgraded.
Used as a coastal lookout and incorporated into the Victoria Lines (the long defensive wall running across Malta’s north).
A searchlight emplacement and later a gun battery were built adjacent to it.
20th century: Served as a coastal defense post during both World Wars.
Today: Restored and preserved; stands in excellent condition under the care of Din l-Art Ħelwa, a Maltese heritage NGO.
🏗️ Construction & Design
Plan: Square base, typical of De Redin towers.
Floors: Two levels:
Ground floor: storage and garrison quarters, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Upper floor: main watch post and access to roof platform.
Roof: Flat, with parapet walls and originally a small turret for signaling.
Materials: Local globigerina limestone, giving it strength and durability.
Entrances: Elevated doorway (for security), originally accessed by a wooden ladder or removable staircase.
Modifications:
The British added gun emplacements, defensive walls, and nearby structures to integrate it into the Victoria Lines system.
⚔️ Strategic Importance
Originally designed as a warning system against pirates and Ottoman raiders.
Under the British, became a strategic military post due to its commanding view of Malta’s northern approaches.
Played a role in the Victoria Lines, the massive inland fortification system built between 1870–1899.
📌 Present Day
Managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa.
Restored and conserved, the tower is in excellent condition.
Occasionally open to the public during heritage events and open days.
Surrounding area offers panoramic views of the coast and nearby countryside, making it a scenic heritage stop.
📌 Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Built | 1658 |
| Builder | Order of St John (Grand Master Martin de Redin) |
| Purpose | Coastal watchtower & signaling |
| Later Use | British coastal defense, Victoria Lines |
| Current Condition | Restored |
| Managed By | Din l-Art Ħelwa |
| Public Access | Exterior always open; interior on special occasions |
🏰 Visitor’s Guide: Madliena Tower, Malta
📖 Introduction
Madliena Tower (*Torri ta’ Madliena*) is one of the **De Redin coastal watchtowers**, built in **1658–1659** by the Order of St John to guard against pirate raids. Over time, it was expanded by the British, who integrated it into the **Victoria Lines** fortifications. Today, restored and managed by **Din l-Art Ħelwa**, it is one of the best-preserved towers in Malta and occasionally opens for visitors during cultural heritage events.
🗺️ Getting There
By Car:
By Car:
From St Julian’s or Swieqi, follow signs to Madliena. The tower is located on high ground overlooking Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, near the Victoria Lines walking trail. Free roadside parking is usually available nearby.
By Bus:
From Valletta, take a bus toward Swieqi/Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq (routes 13, 14, 16, 225) and walk uphill to the tower (15–20 minutes).
On Foot:
Madliena Tower is a popular stop on the Victoria Lines walking route, which stretches across northern Malta.
📍 GPS: 35.936460, 14.473185
🎟️ Access & Opening
Exterior: Always visible and freely accessible from the outside.
Interior: Normally closed but opened on special heritage days and guided tours organized by Din l-Art Ħelwa.
Events: Occasionally used for cultural events, open days, and historical tours.
👀 What to See
The Tower itself: A classic De Redin square-plan tower with a flat roof, restored stonework, and defensive features.
The Madliena Fougasse in Malta is a rock-cut, anti-personnel mortar located near the Madliena Tower, which was built in the 18th century (around 1741) to supplement the tower's defenses by firing a "hail of rocks". 40 metres away
Victoria Lines: Sections of the 19th-century British defensive wall pass close by, making it a great spot to combine both sites.
Panoramic Views: Sweeping views across the coast from St. George’s Bay to Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, and inland across the ridges of Malta.
Military heritage remains: Nearby emplacements and defensive features from the British period.
🏛️ Historical Highlights
1658: Built by the Order of St John under Grand Master Martin de Redin.
18th century: Maintained as a coastal signal tower.
19th century (British rule): Incorporated into the Victoria Lines, with nearby gun batteries and a searchlight emplacement.
WWII: Used as a coastal defense point.
Today: Preserved and maintained by Din l-Art Ħelwa, occasionally open to visitors.
💡 Visitor Tips
Best visited in good weather – ideal for combining with a countryside or Victoria Lines walk.
Bring a camera – the views are some of the best in Malta.
If planning to see the inside, check Din l-Art Ħelwa’s website or Facebook page for open day announcements.
Wear comfortable walking shoes if you’re combining the visit with the Victoria Lines trail.
✅ Summary:
Madliena Tower is a beautifully preserved 17th-century watchtower, later strengthened by the British as part of Malta’s northern defenses. Today, it is a perfect stop for history lovers, walkers, and photographers exploring Swieqi, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, or the Victoria Lines. Madliena Tower, built in 1658 as part of the De Redin towers. Over centuries, it evolved from a simple coastal lookout into a fortified British military post within the Victoria Lines. Today, thanks to conservation, it stands as a reminder of Malta’s layered defense history from the Order of St John to the World Wars.
