San Blas Tower Gozo
🏰 San Blas Tower (Torri ta’ San Blas)
📍 Location
Overlooks the area of San Blas Bay, in the countryside of Nadur, Gozo.
Built on a vantage point with clear sightlines along the northeastern coastline of Gozo, guarding smaller bays and rural approaches.
📜 Historical Background
🛠️ Construction
The tower was built in 1667 during the rule of Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner (1663–1680).
Funded and constructed by the Order of St John, it belongs to the later series of coastal towers in Malta and Gozo, following the De Redin chain.
Its purpose was to strengthen the island’s northern coastal defenses, particularly at San Blas Bay and the approaches to Ramla Bay, both of which were potential landing sites for corsair raids.
Like other watchtowers, San Blas Tower was designed to:
Serve as a lookout point against Ottoman or Barbary corsairs.
Provide a defensive refuge for a small garrison of soldiers.
Act as a signal station, passing warnings inland and to nearby towers using fire by night and smoke by day.
🏗️ Architecture & Design
The tower follows the De Redin plan but is slightly more robust:
Square plan with two floors.
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.
A roof platform surrounded by a parapet, where light artillery and signalling equipment could be deployed.
Thick limestone walls typical of 17th-century military architecture in Malta.
⚠️ Later History
In the 18th century, San Blas Tower remained part of the active defense chain of Gozo.
During the British period (19th century), like other coastal towers, its role diminished and it was abandoned for military purposes.
Unlike other lost towers (such as Marsalforn and Garzes in Gozo), San Blas Tower survived intact, though neglected.
🌍 Present Day
The tower still stands in excellent condition.
It was restored in recent decades, ensuring structural stability and conservation of its historic features.
Today it is open to the public, usually on Sundays, maintained by local heritage volunteers.
Visitors can climb the tower, explore its interior, and enjoy panoramic views of Gozo’s northern coastline.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | San Blas Tower |
| Built | 1667 |
| Builder | Order of St John, under Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner |
| Location | Nadur, Gozo (overlooking San Blas Bay) |
| Type | Coastal watchtower |
| Purpose | Coastal defense, lookout, signalling |
| Condition | Restored |
| Status Today | Standing, open to the public (Sundays) |
✅ Summary:
The San Blas Tower in Nadur, Gozo, built in 1667, is one of the surviving coastal watchtowers constructed by the Knights of St John. It was part of Gozo’s northern defenses, guarding San Blas Bay and nearby inlets. Unlike other towers lost to time, it remains well-preserved and has been restored. Today, it is open to visitors on Sundays, offering both a glimpse of Gozo’s military past and stunning views over the countryside and coastline.
🏰 Visitor’s Guide — San Blas Tower, Nadur (Gozo)
📍 Location
San Blas Tower is located on the northeastern coast of Gozo, in the countryside of Nadur, overlooking San Blas Bay. The tower sits on elevated ground with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
GPS Coordinates: 36.055361, 14.309017
Nearest village: Nadur (10 minutes by car or on foot via country roads)
🕰️ Opening Hours
Open to the public: Sundays
Managed by local heritage volunteers.
Visits outside these hours may sometimes be arranged for groups by contacting local councils or heritage organisations in Gozo.
🎟️ Admission
Entry is usually free, though donations are welcome to support restoration and upkeep.
🚗 Getting There
By Car:
From Mgarr Harbour, drive toward Nadur.
Follow signs to San Blas Bay or ask locally for directions to Torri ta’ San Blas.
Parking is available along the nearby country roads.
By Bus:
Take Bus 303 (Mgarr → Nadur → Victoria) and stop in Nadur.
From Nadur village, it’s about a 20–25 minute walk through countryside paths.
On Foot / Hike:
Visitors to Ramla Bay can enjoy a scenic hike along the ridges toward San Blas Bay, with the tower as a waypoint.
🏗️ What to See
Tower Interior: Explore the two-storey interior with restored stone walls and historic features.
Roof Platform: Panoramic views of San Blas Bay, Ramla Bay, and the Maltese Channel.
Historical Displays: Some exhibitions provide insights into the tower’s role in Gozo’s coastal defenses.
Countryside & Coastline: The tower is surrounded by unspoiled natural scenery and farming land.
📜 Historical Highlights
Built in 1667 by the Order of St John under Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner.
Part of the coastal defense system against corsair raids.
Served as a lookout and signalling station linking Gozo’s defenses.
Survived centuries of neglect but restored in modern times.
Still standing today — one of the few surviving Gozo coastal towers.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
While visiting San Blas Tower, you can also explore:
🌊 San Blas Bay — a secluded sandy beach below the tower.
🌅 Ramla Bay — Gozo’s largest red-sand beach, a short drive away.
🏰 Nadur Parish Church — dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
🗿 Ta’ Kenuna Tower — 19th-century semaphore tower with panoramic views.
⛪ Tal-Merżuq Statue — a local countryside statue of Christ
.
✅ Visitor Tips
Wear comfortable shoes — access involves country paths.
Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer.
Combine with a visit to San Blas Bay for swimming and relaxation.
Respect the site — it is a protected cultural heritage monument.
✨ Summary:
Visiting San Blas Tower is both a journey into Gozo’s 17th-century coastal defenses and a chance to enjoy spectacular countryside and seascapes. Open on Sundays, the tower welcomes visitors who want to discover Gozo’s history while experiencing one of its most scenic spots.