One of 13 De Redin towers (1658) — the smallest but most numerous watchtowers of the Order. Open by appointment.
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In 1658, Grand Master Martin de Redin ordered the construction of thirteen small watchtowers along Malta's entire coastline. They supplemented the existing network of larger Wignacourt and Lascaris towers, filling gaps in observation coverage. The De Redin tower at Għallis, on the northeastern coast, is one of them.
The De Redin towers were the smallest in the entire defensive system — small, round or square structures manned by just three or four guards. They had no residential floor like the Wignacourt towers, nor any artillery. Their sole purpose was to watch and signal: if hostile ships were spotted, the guard would light a fire, triggering the warning chain.
Martin de Redin ruled the Order for only two years (1657–1660), but left a lasting mark: thirteen towers that became the backbone of coastal defence. Many survive today and are being gradually restored by the Din l-Art Ħelwa heritage organisation. The tower at Għallis is occasionally opened during cultural events.
Practical tip: The tower is visible from outside and occasionally opened by Din l-Art Ħelwa — check their calendar. Combines well with a coastal walk north of St. Julian's.
Exterior view. Occasionally opened by Din l-Art Ħelwa heritage society.
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Former salt pans converted into a bird reserve at Kennedy Grove. Peaceful bird watching near the island center.
Buġibba Temple is unusual because a prehistoric site survived inside a dense tourist stretch of the coast.
First of six towers built by Grand Master Wignacourt (1610). The oldest surviving watchtower in Malta.