The most beautiful military monuments Malta

This tower, erected in 1652, dominates the coast. It is made of the same stone whose main quarry is dug into the side of the cliff that slopes down to Dwejra Point. It was built and armed with three powder cannons by Grand Master Lascaris.

This ambitious project, long cherished by Gozitans, bears the name of the only person who was willing to finance it in the ^18th century. After the invasion of 1551 and the Great Siege of 1565, which led to the decision to build Valletta, the inhabitants of Gozo felt the need to have a port fortress on their territory capable of defending them, like the new capital of the neighboring island. The knights were not averse to this project, which also concerned their security. However, the project was abandoned, unsuccessfully re-examined a century later, and finally adopted in the ^mid-18th century, when the coffers were empty and the knights' glory was in full decline. It was a military man, Admiral Jacques de Chambray, who provided the funds for this major undertaking, completed in 1761. The admiral was given the title of governor of Gozo, but the fort had little opportunity to shine, resisting Napoleonic troops for some time before becoming English. It was later converted into an asylum. Long empty and unused, it is now being completely restored.

Today, in addition to rehabilitation and restoration, new residential buildings have been built in keeping with the fort's architecture. Regrettably, this somewhat diminishes the massive, defensive aspect of the whole.

Located rue de la Tour Saint-Jean, it has experienced many uses: it served as a warehouse, a hospital and a military district during the British period. It is located close to the two major defensive towers, the Saint James Tower and the Saint John Tower. From the terrace of the Saint James Tower, you will have a superb view of the nearby village Kalkara and Fort Ricasoli.