Mġarr ix-Xini Tower Gozo
Stands at the mouth of Mġarr ix-Xini Bay, on the southern coast of Gozo, within the limits of Xewkija, near Għajnsielem.
Its site commands the entrance to the narrow inlet of Mġarr ix-Xini, a natural harbor once used by small boats.
From the tower, guards could monitor the coastline and control access to the bay.
📍 Location
📜 Historical Background
🧱Construction
Built in 1661 during the magistracy of Grand Master Martin de Redin (1657–1660).
It was completed in 1661, and its design is similar to the De Redin towers that were commissioned by Grand Master Martin de Redin.
Construction in Gozo was funded partly by the Università of Gozo (the local governing body) and by the Order of St John.
🎯Purpose
The tower was erected to defend Mġarr ix-Xini inlet, which was vulnerable to corsair raids and could be used as a landing spot by enemy forces.
Its garrison acted as a lookout, warning inland villages and the citadel of Gozo in case of attack.
The inlet also served as a small fishing and trade harbor, making its defense important for local villagers.
al-Wejter Tower was commissioned by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, and it was built in the early 18th century. The tower stood on the road leading from San Ġwann and St. Julian's to Birkirkara. This area is now built up and the tower is surrounded by modern buildings.
🏗️ Architecture & Design
Square plan, typical of the De Redin style towers.
Two storeys and a flat roof platform with parapet walls.
Built from local limestone, with thick defensive walls.
However, the design differed from the De Redin towers since its entrance was approached by a flight of steps and a drawbridge, unlike the other towers which had a retractable ladder.
Inside:
Lower floor for storage and provisions.
Upper floor for garrison accommodation.
Roof platform used for observation and to mount a small cannon or swivel gun.
Could house a garrison of about 4 men.
⚔️ Military Role
The tower was part of a chain of coastal defenses, visually connected to nearby towers and the Cittadella in Victoria.
It was garrisoned during times of danger and maintained with supplies for emergencies.
The garrison’s role was surveillance and signalling, not heavy defense.
⚠️ Decline
By the 19th century, under British rule, the tower was considered obsolete.
Like other towers, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
🌍 Present Day
Restored in the late 20th century (1990s), and later conserved by Din l-Art Ħelwa (National Trust of Malta).
Today the tower is:
Well-preserved and open to visitors on certain days.
Used for cultural and educational purposes.
A landmark in the popular Mġarr ix-Xini valley and bay, which is also a swimming, diving, and walking area.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | Mġarr ix-Xini Tower |
| Built | 1661 |
| Builder | Order of St John plan by Mederico Blondel + Università of Gozo |
| Location | Mouth of Mġarr ix-Xini Bay, Gozo |
| Type | similar to the De Redin towers |
| Purpose | Guarding the inlet, lookout and signalling |
| Condition | Restored |
| Status Today | Preserved and open for cultural visits |
✅ Summary:
Built in 1661 by the Order of St John, Mġarr ix-Xini Tower its design is similar to the De Redin towers that were commissioned by Grand Master Martin de Redin. guarding the southern Gozo coast. It protected a vulnerable inlet against corsair raids and formed part of Gozo’s coastal defense system. Though abandoned under the British, it has since been restored and survives as one of Gozo’s best-preserved towers.
