Marsalforn Tower (1616) — one of six mighty Wignacourt towers, with a residential floor for the garrison. Dominates Gozo's northern coastline on the road to the salt pans.
Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt commissioned six powerful watchtowers along the coasts of Malta and Gozo. The tower at Marsalforn, erected in 1616, was one of them — and one of the largest. It stands on the cliff above Marsalforn Bay, from where it controlled the northern approach to Gozo. Every ship sailing from Sicily was visible for miles.
Unlike the smaller De Redin towers, the Wignacourt towers were true defensive structures with a residential floor for the garrison. The ground floor served as an armoury and food store. The first floor housed the soldiers — usually four or five. On the roof stood a platform with signal cannons. When a threat appeared, the tower would fire smoke or flame, passing the warning to the next tower in the chain until the signal reached the Citadel in Victoria.
After the Knights left Malta in 1798, the tower lost its military function. Over the following centuries it served as a lookout for fishermen and shepherds. Today it is closed to visitors, but its massive silhouette dominates the landscape between Marsalforn and the famous salt pans — a road well worth walking.
Practical tip: The tower stands on the road from Marsalforn to the salt pans. Best viewed from cliff level — combine the visit with a walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans.
Near the road to the salt pans. Closed to visitors.
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The Marsalforn salt pans are a working coastal landscape: rock-cut rectangles tell a story of sea rhythm and manual labour.
A Saracen tavern with mysterious Eastern spices. The Masala Chai drink restores strength after patrol.
The northern Gozo salt pans show repetitive manual work carved into the limestone coast.