Nadur Tower Explained

Nadur Tower
Native Name:Torri tan-Nadur
Partof:the Lascaris towers
Location:Rabat, Malta
Type:Watchtower
Coordinates:35.9006°N 14.3711°W
Ownership:Government of Malta
Built:1637
Builder:Order of Saint John
Materials:Limestone
Condition:Intact

Nadur Tower (Maltese: Torri tan-Nadur) is a small watchtower in Binġemma Gap, within the limits of Rabat, Malta. It was completed in 1637 as the third of the Lascaris towers. Today, the tower is in good condition.

History

Nadur Tower was built in 1637 at Binġemma Gap, close to where the British later built the Victoria Lines. Unlike the other Lascaris towers, it is located inland, far away from the coast. This is because it was built to serve as a 'relay' station between the newly constructed Lippija and Għajn Tuffieħa Towers and the walled city of Mdina. The tower has views of the western part of the island of Malta.[1]

The tower is smaller than the other Lascaris towers, having one floor instead of two. It has a square base with two rooms. Access to the roof was by a wooden ladder, which has been replaced by iron rungs stapled to the wall.[1]

In September 2008, the tower was damaged when vandals threw burnt oil on one of its sides, but it was restored after a couple of days. The government and a number of political parties condemned the act of vandalism[2]

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/00060.pdf National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands
  2. News: Nadur Tower Vandalised. 20 April 2014. The Malta Independent. 19 September 2008.