Wardija Tower

Wardija Tower (Maltese: Torri tal-Wardija), originally known as Torre della Guardia di Giorno[1] and also known as Bubaqra Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' Bubaqra),[2] is a small watchtower in the limits of Żurrieq, Malta. It was completed in June 1659 as the last of the thirteen De Redin towers.[3]

This article is about the coastal tower in Żurrieq. For the inland tower in Żurrieq, see Bubaqra Tower.
Wardija Tower
Torri tal-Wardija
Part of the De Redin towers
Żurrieq, Malta
Wardija Tower prior to restoration, viewed from the north
Coordinates35°49′9.5″N 14°28′23.2″E
TypeCoastal watchtower
Site information
OwnerGovernment of Malta
Controlled byPrivate tenant
Open to
the public		No
ConditionIntact
Site history
Built byOrder of Saint John
MaterialsLimestone

Wardija Tower was the last coastal watchtower to be built on the main island of Malta. It is situated between Żurrieq and Ħal Far, with the nearest tower to it being Sciuta Tower to the west. The tower follows the standard design of the De Redin towers, having a square plan with two floors and a turret on the roof, but it is slightly smaller. It was originally armed with 2 cannons and 2 mortars.

After the British period, the tower became abandoned and fell into disuse. In June 2022, the tower was restored by the Restoration Directorate, a scheme set up by the Żurrieq Local Council in order to carry out restoration projects on various sites in Żurrieq.[4]

Wardija Tower viewed from the south

References
  1. Ġrajjet Malta - It-Tielet Ktieb (in Maltese) (4 ed.). Sliema: Department of Education. 2006. p. 81.
  2. Zammit, Vincent (1992). Il-Gran Mastri - Ġabra ta' Tagħrif dwar l-Istorja ta' Malta fi Żmienhom - L-Ewwel Volum 1530-1680 (in Maltese). Valletta: Valletta Publishing & Promotion Co. Ltd. p. 236.
  3. "Palace & Towers". Żurrieq Local Council. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  4. "Fantastic news! Zurrieq's 360-year-old Wardija Tower gets FULLY restored". www.guidememalta.com. Retrieved 2022-10-11.

Further reading
  • Hughes, Quentin (1993). Malta. A guide to the fortifications. Said International. p. 95. ISBN 9990943-07-9.
  • Spiteri, Stephen C. (1989), The Knights' Fortifications, Valletta: Book Distributors Ltd.
  • Hughes, Quentin (2001), Fortresses of the Knights, Valletta: Said International.
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