From a Knights’ watchtower to a wartime listening post and now a cultural beacon, discover the remarkable journey of Torri l-Abjad. Explore the key eras that have shaped this iconic landmark, a microcosm of Malta’s own resilient history.
In the 17th century, Malta was a Christian frontier under constant threat. To counter seaborne attacks from Barbary corsairs, the Knights of St. John developed a sophisticated network of coastal watchtowers. The goal was to create an unbroken line of sight for communication—using smoke by day and fire by night—to provide early warning of approaching enemy fleets.
The coastal defence network evolved over six decades. The De Redin system, to which Torri l-Abjad belongs, was the culmination of this strategy. Grand Master Martin de Redin personally funded thirteen standardized towers, allowing for the rapid completion of a functional, island-wide communication chain that secured Malta's vulnerable shores.
Torri l-Abjad was the sixth of the De Redin towers, built in 1658. Its design was standard for the series but with key enhancements. Unlike many earlier towers, its strong, vaulted roof could support two cannons. A retractable ladder sealed the tower from ground assault, and uniquely for its series, it featured a machicolation—a medieval opening allowing defenders to drop projectiles on attackers at the tower's base.
In 1715, the site was massively upgraded. A semi-circular gun platform, the Aħrax Battery, was added, transforming the tower into a powerful coastal fortress. This complex included a blockhouse for extra quarters and a protective rock-hewn ditch, multiplying its defensive power.
After the British took control in 1800, the tower's prime location ensured its continued use as a naval station. For a time, it even served as the Governor's summer residence, its strategic views repurposed for leisure.
The tower's most innovative role came during World War I. With cannons useless against submarines, the British converted it into a high-tech Naval Hydrophone Station. Underwater microphones were laid on the seabed, allowing operators in the tower to listen for the engine sounds of German U-boats, transforming the stone fortress into a sophisticated electronic surveillance post.
The tower was re-militarised during the Second World War, but its fixed fortifications were now obsolete. After the war, its military value vanished. It was leased for various uses before being completely abandoned around 2004, falling into a perilous state of disrepair.
By the 21st century, the tower was decaying, with illegal structures marring its form. Its rescue was a landmark achievement in Maltese heritage conservation, driven by a powerful partnership. Entrusted with the site by the Mellieħa Local Council, Din l-Art Ħelwa took on the role of project manager, providing the essential historical and technical expertise.
The ambitious, multi-year project was financed by crucial private sector funding. The HSBC Malta Foundation served as the lead sponsor, with additional key support from partners like Atlas Insurance. This collaboration—combining government assets, NGO expertise, and private capital—was the key to success. After years of meticulous work, the tower was formally inaugurated and reborn on June 9, 2021.
Torri l-Abjad now stands as a beacon of culture and a
testament to preservation. You can experience its unique
atmosphere for yourself.