De Redin Tower at Għallis (1658) — one of thirteen small watchtowers built in just two years. The smallest but most numerous towers in Malta's defensive system.
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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Salina Nature Reserve is former salt pans from the Knights' era in Salina Bay. Now a bird reserve with BirdLife Malta. Flamingos appear in winter. Educational trail around the pans.
Buġibba Temple is unusual because a prehistoric site survived inside a dense tourist stretch of the coast.
Wignacourt Tower (1610) — Malta's oldest surviving watchtower and the prototype for the entire defence system. Now a museum about the history of towers. The only Wignacourt tower open inside.