History of Ta’ Kenuna Tower
📍 Location
On the outskirts of Nadur, Gozo. Approximately ~130 m above sea level (on the Kenuna Hill, one of the highest points in Gozo)
🏗 Basic Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | Ta’ Kenuna Tower (Torri ta’ Kenuna) |
| Location | Near Nadur, Gozo (on a hill about 130 m above sea level) |
| Built by | British colonial authorities |
| Completed | 1848 |
| Function at the time | Semaphore tower — part of a network to communicate between Malta and Gozo, and among various semaphore stations |
📜 Historical Role & Purpose
The semaphore telegraph system had been invented in 1792 and by the 1840s, the British authorities wanted better rapid communication in the Maltese Islands.
It was originally proposed to use church bell towers and domes for signal stations, but those proposals were rejected by religious authorities. As a result, purpose-built towers were erected instead. Ta’ Kenuna was one of these.
Signals would travel from Ta’ Kenuna to other semaphore towers (Għaxaq and Għargħur on Malta) and ships at sea. It was part of the chain between Malta and Gozo.
It ceased its semaphore function in 1883, when the electric telegraph made such towers obsolete.
🏛 Architecture & Construction Details
Structure: Three floors, each with a single room, plus roof. Connected internally via a spiral staircase.
Signalling equipment: On top, there was a wooden pole with three movable arms (each about 12 feet long), used to form signals (two arms in use at any one time according to code) to communicate alphabet/number messages.
Material: Limestone construction, typical of Maltese towers of the era.
Inscription: Over the eastern door is an inscription “VR 1848” marking the year of construction and under Queen Victoria. At that time Malta was under colonial rule with Governor Richard More O’Ferrall.
🔧 Later Use and Restoration
After semaphore use was discontinued (post-1883), the tower was largely unused for its original signalling purpose.
It became dilapidated over time.
In 1998 it was reintegrated into modern communications infrastructure: GO plc (formerly Maltacom) took over, and the tower was restored. It now serves as a maritime beacon, with communication antennas installed.
In 2005, restoration works were carried out by the Nadur Local Council with help from Maltacom; the tower was added to the National Inventory of Cultural Heritage in more recent years.
⚠ Recent Status
As of March 2025, the tower and its surrounding garden have been closed to the public over structural safety concerns. Erosion and damage from natural elements have prompted this closure while assessments are carried out.
🌍 What to See
1. The Tower Exterior
Tall, slender limestone structure.
The Queen Victoria inscription above the eastern entrance.
Historic lookouts facing north across the Gozo Channel.
2. Kenuna Gardens (when open)
A botanical garden with indigenous flora.
Stone paths and benches for relaxation.
Popular with locals for quiet walks and sunset views.
3. Panoramic Views
From Kenuna Hill you can enjoy some of the best views in Gozo:
The islands of Comino and Malta to the southeast.
The villages of Nadur, Qala, and Għajnsielem.
St Anthony’s Battery and the coastline around Mgarr Harbour.
🚶 Visiting Information
Location: On the outskirts of Nadur, Gozo. About a 5–10 min drive from Mġarr Harbour.
Access:
If walking: uphill road from Nadur village (steep in parts).
By car: parking available along the road near the gardens.
Public transport: Take a bus to Nadur, then a short uphill walk.
Opening Status (2025): Closed to visitors due to safety works, but you can still walk nearby and admire the tower externally.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon / sunset for views across the channel.
📝 Tips
Bring a camera or binoculars — views of Comino and Malta are spectacular on a clear day.
Wear comfortable shoes if walking up from Nadur (hilltop).
Combine your visit with a stop in Nadur village (noted for its churches and bakeries).
If/when the gardens reopen, it’s an ideal picnic and photo spot.
