Saint Mary’s Tower, Ghajnsielem (MT)

FORTE CULTURA Stop: Saint Mary’s Tower, Ghajnsielem (MT)
Image: Daniel Cilia, Din l-Art Helwa

Landmark of Comino

Saint Mary’s Tower, also known as Torri ta’ Santa Marija or Comino Tower, was built in 1618 by the Order of St John under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt and is a fortified coastal watchtower overlooking the strait between Malta and Gozo. The tower was commissioned by the Order of St John as part of Malta’s coastal defence system, and thanks to its strategic location on Comino, it was able to monitor the surrounding waters, communicate with other fortifications and protect the islands from potential attacks.

The tower was originally equipped with cannons and designed to house a garrison. Over the centuries, it served a variety of purposes, including as a military post and as a prison during the French blockade of Malta between 1798 and 1800. During British rule, the tower was used for military purposes and as a quarantine station before it was eventually abandoned. It was later used by the Maltese Armed Forces between 1982 and 2002, before being handed over to Din l-Art Ħelwa.

Architecturally, Saint Mary’s Tower is particularly impressive due to its massive square structure, its four corner towers and its extremely thick limestone walls. The tower stands on a hilltop and offers a sweeping view across Comino, Gozo and Malta, which made it an important defensive position. Thanks to its elevated position, the garrison was able to keep watch for approaching ships and defend the surrounding coastline. The tower also gained international fame after it was used as the Château d’If prison in the 2002 film *The Count of Monte Cristo*.

Today, visitors can walk from the Blue Lagoon to the tower and admire its imposing architecture, its historical significance and the panoramic view of the surrounding islands. Between 2002 and 2004, Din l-Art Ħelwa carried out extensive restoration work to preserve the tower and its historical features. The tower remains one of Comino’s most significant cultural heritage monuments and an important example of Malta’s military coastal architecture.