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St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower)

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Historical site
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St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) (Malta)

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St. Agatha's Tower, universally known as the Red Tower, is an imposing fortification situated on the crest of Marfa Ridge in northern Malta. Built between 1647 and 1649 during the grandmastership of Jean-Paul Lascaris, it functioned as a primary strategic outpost monitoring the channel between Malta, Comino, and Gozo. Its distinctive red color, which has been preserved through modern restorations, was originally intended to make the tower easily recognizable to friendly vessels while deterring potential invaders. Architecturally, the Red Tower stands out due to its massive scale and the inclusion of four prominent corner turrets, making it much more than a simple watchtower. It was designed to house a garrison of up to 40 soldiers and was equipped with a chapel and significant storage space for ammunition and food supplies. Geographically, its elevated position gives some of the most spectacular views in Malta, spanning from the northern cliffs to the distant harbors. Today, the tower is meticulously maintained by the heritage organization Din l-Art Ħelwa and is open to the public, featuring exhibits on the island's coastal defense history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) is a historical structure on the Marfa Ridge, usually open to visitors. The interior can be visited, usually for a small entry fee.
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Typical hours
The tower typically has seasonal opening hours, often around 10am to 4pm. It is advisable to check in advance with the local tourist information for exact times.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside and outside, but flash may be restricted in exhibition rooms. The best view of the tower and surroundings is from the Marfa Ridge.
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Time needed
A visit to the tower takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allocate extra time for the climb up to the tower and the view of the surrounding landscape.
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Combine with
Combine the tower visit with a walk along the Marfa Ridge and a visit to Paradise Bay or Anchor Bay. The nearby island of Comino is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The Red Tower is best reached by car, with the access road signposted from the main road to Mellieħa. There is a small parking area nearby, from where it's a 10-minute walk.
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Insider tip
Come in the late afternoon to enjoy the nice light on the red stone and avoid the morning crowds. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the path to the tower is uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
35.97530, 14.34250

Facts

  • The tower was completed in 1649 and dedicated to St. Agatha.
  • It was the last of the large 'Lascaris' towers built by the Knights of Malta.
  • The walls at the base are 4 meters thick, designed to withstand naval bombardment.
  • Historically, the tower featured a drawbridge for added security against intruders.
  • During the British period, it served as a coastal signal station and radar post.
  • It is currently part of the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list for fortifications.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

L-Rdum tal-MadonnaL-Rdum tal-Madonna<1 km · WExplore →
Popeye Village Fun ParkPopeye Village Fun Park2 km · SExplore →
Cirkewwa Ferry TerminalCirkewwa Ferry Terminal2 km · NWExplore →
L-Aħrax tal-MellieħaL-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa2 km · EExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa3 km · SEExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay4 km · SExplore →
CominoComino4 km · NExplore →
Is-Simar Bird SanctuaryIs-Simar Bird Sanctuary4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) (10)

Red Tower

The Red Tower was built during the reign of Grandmaster Lascaris and paid for by the universita' of Mdina.

Għadira Nature Reserve

Għadira Nature Reserve is a protected nature reserve.

🕒 Oct-May: Mo,We,Fr 13:30-17:00; Sa,Su 10:00-16:00; PH off; Se

Għadira Bay

Għadira Bay is a sandy beach on Malta's north coast.

Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay is a small beach in northwest Malta.

Tal-Bir Redoubt

Tal-Bir Redoubt is a ruined fortification from the Knights' period.

Il-Latnija

Il-Latnija is a rocky stretch of coastline.

Batterija ta' Wied Musa

Batterija ta' Wied Musa is a historic coastal battery.

Maya Beach

Maya Beach is a beach resort on Malta's north coast.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village was the film set for Sweethaven in the 1980 movie Popeye.

Tunnara Museum🏛 museum

The Tunnara Museum is housed in a former artillery battery in Mellieħa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the 'Red Tower'?
Because of its striking red color, which makes it visible from afar.
Can you go up to the roof?
Yes, from the roof you have a fantastic view of Gozo and Comino.
What are the opening hours?
Usually open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, but it may vary seasonally.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, there is a small fee for the tower's upkeep by Din l-Art Helwa.
How do you get to the tower?
It is located on a hill above Mellieha and is accessible by bus or car.
St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower): where is it located?
St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) is located in Malta.
St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower): what is there to see?
Highlights include Red Tower, Għadira Nature Reserve, Għadira Bay.
St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
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History & landmarks

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