🏰 Wardija Tower (Torri tal-Wardija), Żurrieq
📍 Location
Wardija Tower (Maltese: Torri tal-Wardija), originally known as Torre della Guardia di Giorno and also known as Bubaqra Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' Bubaqra), is a small watchtower in the limits of Żurrieq, Malta. It was completed in June 1659 as the last of the thirteen De Redin towers
🏗️ Construction
Date Built: 1659
Builder: Order of St John, during the rule of Grand Master Martin de Redin.
Function: Part of the 13 De Redin coastal watchtowers built around Malta to provide continuous coastal surveillance and signal relays.
Design:
Standard De Redin tower type:
Square plan with two floors.
Barrel-vaulted ground floor used as a store and guardroom.
Spiral staircase within the wall leading to the upper floor and roof.
Flat roof with a parapet, used for lookouts and signaling (fire/smoke).
Built of local globigerina limestone.
Staffed by a small garrison of 4 men.
📜 History
17th century: Used for early warning of corsair or Ottoman raids. Wardija Tower’s inland position suggests it was built to provide extra visibility and act as a relay in case signals from coastal towers were blocked by terrain.
18th century: Continued in coastal defense service but played a reduced role as Malta’s seas became more secure.
British period (19th century): Lost strategic importance but survived structurally intact.
20th century: Unlike many towers, Wardija Tower remained in good condition as it was less exposed to the elements due to its inland position.
🌍 Present Day
Condition: The tower is in good structural condition, better preserved than many other De Redin towers.
Current Status:
Stands as a protected heritage site (scheduled monument).
Not generally open to the public internally, but the exterior can be admired.
Surroundings: Its slightly inland location makes it easier to access than cliff-edge towers and safer to approach.
🗂️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Name | Wardija Tower (Torri tal-Wardija) |
| Location | Inland on Wardija Ridge, Żurrieq (≈200 m from cliffs) |
| Built | 1659 |
| Builder | Order of St John (Grand Master Martin de Redin) |
| Function | Coastal defense & signal relay |
| Design | Square-plan, two floors, roof platform |
| Garrison | 4 men |
| Current Status | Intact, good condition, scheduled monument |
✅ Summary:
Wardija Tower, built in 1659 by the Order of St John, is one of the De Redin watchtowers. Unlike many others, it stands slightly inland rather than on the cliff edge, which has contributed to its good preservation. Serving as a coastal lookout and relay post, it played a role in Malta’s 17th-century defense system against corsairs. Today, it remains a well-preserved heritage monument in Żurrieq.
🏰 Visitor’s Guide – Wardija Tower (Torri tal-Wardija), Żurrieq
📍 Location
Situated inland on the Wardija plateau in Żurrieq, Malta, about 200 m from the cliffs.
GPS Coordinates: 35.819426, 14.473003
🕰️ Opening & Access
Exterior: Freely visible and accessible all year round.
Interior: The tower is not usually open to the public except for special events or heritage days.
Best Time to Visit:
Morning or late afternoon (cooler temperatures).
Sunset visits offer spectacular views over the southern countryside.
🚶 How to Get There
By Car
From Żurrieq village center, drive toward Wied iż-Żurrieq / Blue Grotto.
Before reaching the cliffs, turn onto the country lanes leading toward the **Wardija ridge**.
Parking: Limited space near the site, often along rural tracks.
By Bus
Take bus routes to Żurrieq (routes 73, 74, 109, 117).
From the village center, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk along country lanes.
On Foot
Ideal for walkers and hikers:
Combine with a walk from Wied iż-Żurrieq or Ħamrija Tower.
Country lanes pass through traditional fields and rural scenery.
🏗️ What to See
The Tower:
A square-plan, two-storey limestone tower, in good condition**.
Distinctive De Redin design with a roof platform and thick walls.
Surroundings:
Rural Maltese landscape with traditional stone walls, fields, and views toward Żurrieq.
Short walk to the cliffside paths near Wied iż-Żurrieq and the Blue Grotto.
🏛️ Historical Significance
Built in 1659 by the Order of St John under Grand Master Martin de Redin.
One of 13 De Redin watchtowers built around Malta.
Staffed by a garrison of four men, it acted as a lookout and signal post.
Its slightly inland position made it unusual, but also helped its long-term preservation.
📝 Visitor Tips
Bring water and comfortable shoes – the approach is along rural tracks.
Perfect for photography – tower + countryside + distant sea views.
Combine with nearby attractions:
Blue Grotto (Wied iż-Żurrieq caves).
Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples (UNESCO sites, 10 mins drive).
Ħamrija Tower (another De Redin tower nearby).
ℹ️ Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Built | 1659 |
| Builder | Order of St John (Grand Master Martin de Redin) |
| Purpose | Coastal watch & signaling |
| Condition | Good – one of the better-preserved De Redin towers |
| Access | Exterior open, interior closed (except special events) |
| Nearby Attractions | Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra Temples, Ħamrija Tower |
✅ Summary:
Wardija Tower in Żurrieq is one of Malta’s best-preserved De Redin watchtowers, built in 1659. Easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot, it offers visitors a chance to experience part of Malta’s 17th-century defense network in a peaceful rural setting. A perfect stop when visiting the Blue Grotto or Maltese temples nearby.