Here’s a full account of Marsalforn Tower , an important but now-lost fortification of Gozo:
🏰 Marsalforn Tower Gozo
📍 Location
Stood on the cliffs overlooking Marsalforn Bay, Gozo’s northern harbour.
The tower was strategically placed to guard the bay, which was one of Gozo’s main landing places in the early 17th century.
Today, no trace remains, though historical sources and maps mark its position near the present Marsalforn seafront area.
Location Map Coordinates 36.069859, 14.266485
📜 Historical Background
🧱Construction
Built in 1616 during the magistracy of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt (1601–1622).
It was the second coastal watchtower built on Gozo, after Garzes Tower (1605 at Mġarr Harbour).
Funding came from the Order of St John, continuing Wignacourt’s programme of early coastal defenses.
🎯Purpose
Marsalforn was Gozo’s principal northern port before Mġarr became dominant.
The tower served to:
Defend against Ottoman and Barbary corsair raids.
Guard merchant ships anchoring in the bay.
Communicate with Garzes Tower at Mġarr Harbour and other defenses via fire and smoke signals.
📝 Role
The tower was garrisoned with a small detachment (usually 3–6 soldiers) and armed with light cannon.
It played a key role in Gozo’s early defense network, especially since Marsalforn was exposed and often targeted by raiders.
🏗️ Design & Architecture
Described as larger and stronger than the later De Redin towers (1658–1659).
Likely resembled the Wignacourt-style towers in Malta:
Square plan, thick limestone walls.
Two floors plus a roof platform with parapet.
Elevated doorway (defensible entrance).
Positioned to directly cover Marsalforn’s shoreline and deter enemy landings.
(built c. 1720, demolished 1915) circa 1910
⚠️ Decline and Destruction
By the 18th century, the tower had become less significant as the Order expanded fortifications elsewhere.
In 1716, plans were made to reinforce Marsalforn Bay with batteries and entrenchments, further reducing the tower’s importance.
Under British rule, the tower was eventually demolished in the 19th century — probably due to neglect and to reuse its stone for other construction.
Today, nothing remains, though its existence is well-documented in historical records and engravings.
🌍 Present Day
The exact site of the Marsalforn Tower has been lost under modern development in Marsalforn resort.
Only historical references, sketches, and written records preserve its memory.
It remains an important part of the early Wignacourt fortification system, as one of the earliest Gozo towers.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | Wignacourt Marsalforn Tower |
| Built | 1616 |
| Builder | Order of St John, Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt |
| Location | Marsalforn Bay, Gozo |
| Purpose | Guard and defend Marsalforn harbour |
| Type | Wignacourt coastal watchtower |
| Condition | Demolished |
| Fate | Lost during the 19th century |
| Status Today | No remains, site covered by various items |
✅ Summary:
The Marsalforn Wignacourt Tower was built in 1616 as one of Gozo’s first coastal defenses, protecting its northern harbour. Though demolished in the 19th century, it played a crucial role in the early defensive system set up by Grand Master Wignacourt, together with Garzes Tower.