Discover Malta: It-Torri l-Abjad

Here’s a full historical overview of It-Torri l-Abjad, one of Malta’s important watchtowers:

🏰 White Tower – Overview

📍 Location

Situated on the Mellieħa Ridge, on the north coast of Malta.

Overlooks Armier Bay and Mellieħa Bay (Għadira).

The site was chosen because it commands a strategic view of the northern approaches to Malta and the Comino Channel.

🏗️ Construction & Design

Built in 1658 during the rule of Grand Master Martin de Redin.

Part of the chain of 13 coastal watchtowers (known as the De Redin Towers).

Constructed from local limestone, typical of the period.

Design followed the standard De Redin plan:

Square base with two levels.

Flat roof with parapet for sentries and light artillery.

Single doorway raised above ground level (ladder access).

Small garrison (3–4 men).

Its white limestone walls and location on a prominent ridge gave rise to the name “White Tower”.

📜 Historical Role

Functioned as a watchtower and signal post, part of a visual communication chain with nearby towers such as:

Għajn Ħadid Tower (east, now ruined).

Mellieħa Red Tower and Comino Tower (north).

The tower’s garrison kept watch for Ottoman and Barbary corsair ships, lighting fires or using smoke signals to alert inland fortifications and villages.

It contributed to Malta’s integrated coastal defense network.

⚠️ Later Use & Decline

Continued in use through the 18th century under the Order of St John.

Likely saw limited activity under the French occupation (1798–1800).

In the British period (19th century), it remained part of the coastal defenses, though less militarily important as new fortifications and weapons emerged.

Eventually abandoned in the late 19th/early 20th century.

🌍 Present Day

Survives in relatively good condition compared to some other De Redin towers.

Recognized as a Grade 1 National Monument and listed on the Antiquities List of 1925.

Restoration works were carried out in recent decades to stabilize and preserve the tower.

Today it remains a heritage landmark above Armier Bay, accessible to hikers and visitors in the Mellieħa area.

🗂️ Quick Facts

✅ Summary:

The White Tower is one of the best-preserved De Redin towers, guarding Malta’s northern coastline since 1658. Once part of a vital defensive network against corsair raids, it now stands as a historic monument overlooking Armier and Mellieħa Bay.