Torri Mamo, Wied il-Għajn (MT)

FORTE CULTURA Stop: Torri Mamo Fort Tower, Wied il-Għajn (MT)
Image: Daniel Cilia, Din l-Art Helwa

A striking fortified residence and a unique example of a private coastal fortification

Torri Mamo, also known as Mamo Tower or St Thomas’s Tower, was built in 1657 by the Mamo family and is a fortified family residence overlooking St Thomas’s Bay in Marsaskala. Unlike the coastal towers commissioned by the Order of St John, it was built privately by Gregorio and Giorgio Mamo, father and son, both of whom were involved as master builders in the construction of the Order’s fortifications. Its location on high ground enabled the family to defend their estate and provide protection against possible privateer attacks from St Thomas’s Bay.

The tower was later used by the Żejtun and Żabbar Militia Regiment, before passing through the hands of several private owners. In 1940, the British forces requisitioned the tower and used it as a regional headquarters, installing a bunker on the roof. After the Second World War, it returned to private use before falling into a state of serious disrepair. In 1988, the building was handed over to „Din l-Art Ħelwa“, which carried out extensive restoration work, including the restoration of the external walls in 1994–1995, as well as further restoration projects in 2012–2013 and 2022.

Architecturally, Torri Mamo is particularly unique due to its sixteen-sided floor plan, which, when viewed from above, gives the building the appearance of a St Andrew’s cross. It was built from local limestone, is surrounded by a deep, dry moat and originally featured a drawbridge. Inside, the main chamber features a striking round domed ceiling leading off to smaller rooms, whilst the unusual polygonal shape of the fortified residence provided strong defensive qualities. During the excavations, a Roman or possibly Phoenician burial chamber was also discovered in the moat.

Today, visitors can explore the restored tower and admire its unusual architecture, the interior and the surrounding moat. The tower is also used for guided tours, cultural events and private functions, whilst its elevated position offers views of St Thomas Bay and the surrounding countryside. The tower is situated on Triq id-Daħla ta’ San Tumas in Marsaskala, Malta.