Żonqor Tower Explained

Żonqor Tower
Native Name:Torri taż-Żonqor
Partof:the De Redin towers
Location:Marsaskala, Malta
Type:Coastal watchtower
Coordinates:35.8676°N 14.5741°W
Built:1659
Builder:Order of Saint John
Materials:Limestone
Fate:Demolished, 1915

Żonqor Tower (Maltese: Torri taż-Żonqor), originally known as Torre di Zoncol,[1] was a small watchtower near Żonqor Point, within the limits of the seaside town of Marsaskala, Malta. It was built in 1659 as the eleventh of the De Redin towers, on or near the site of a medieval watch post.[2] The tower commanded the entrance to Marsaskala Bay along with Saint Thomas Tower. It was demolished by the British military in 1915 to clear the line of fire of modern fortifications.[3]

A World War II-era pillbox now stands on the site of Żonqor Tower.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Ġrajjet Malta - It-Tielet Ktieb. 2006. Department of Education. Sliema. 81. 4. Maltese.
  2. Zammit. Vincent. Fortifications in the Middle Ages. Civilization. 1984. 1. 33. PEG Ltd. Ħamrun.
  3. Book: Zammit. Vincent. Il-Gran Mastri - Ġabra ta' Tagħrif dwar l-Istorja ta' Malta fi Żmienhom - L-Ewwel Volum 1530-1680. 1992. Valletta Publishing & Promotion Co. Ltd.. Valletta. 236. Maltese.