Torri San Tumas — Attraction in Marsascala

Il Forte di San Tommaso, conosciuto anche come Saint Thomas Tower, si trova a Marsaskala ed è una delle più imponenti torri costiere di Malta. Costruito nel 1614 dai Cavalieri di Malta sotto il Gran Maestro Alof de Wignacourt, aveva lo scopo di difendere la baia dagli sbarchi ottomani e dalle incursioni corsare. La struttura, massiccia e ben conservata, presenta mura spesse, un fossato scavato nella roccia e quattro torrette angolari che ne sottolineano la funzione difensiva. Restaurato di recente, oggi ospita il Museo dei Pirati e dei Corsari, che illustra con pannelli, ricostruzioni e filmati il ruolo strategico del forte e le storie delle incursioni marittime. Il percorso di visita, seppur non molto ampio, consente di esplorare alcune stanze originarie, come la cucina e l’altare, e di salire fino alla terrazza panoramica, dalla quale si gode di una vista suggestiva sulla costa. L’allestimento museale è reso particolarmente interessante dall’approccio interattivo: oltre ai pannelli informativi, sono proposti filmati coinvolgenti che raccontano gli eventi storici e anche un gioco che rende la visita più dinamica, soprattutto per i visitatori più giovani. L’ingresso ha un costo di 7 € a persona, adeguato rispetto al valore culturale offerto. Pur trattandosi di un museo di dimensioni contenute, la visita risulta stimolante e ben strutturata. Tra i punti di forza spiccano l’autenticità della struttura, il restauro curato, l’interattività della mostra e la vista panoramica sul mare. Come aspetto negativo, tutte le spiegazioni e i contenuti multimediali sono disponibili solo in lingua inglese: non sono previste guide in presenza né audioguide con traduzioni in altre lingue. Nel complesso, il Forte di San Tommaso rappresenta una tappa consigliata a chi desidera conoscere la storia difensiva dell’isola e vivere un’esperienza culturale arricchita da un contesto paesaggistico unico.

Saint Thomas Tower, located in Marsaskala, is one of the most imposing coastal fortifications in Malta. Built in 1614 by the Knights of Malta under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, it was designed to protect the bay from Ottoman landings and pirate raids. The tower, massive and well-preserved, features thick walls, a rock-carved moat, and four corner turrets that underline its defensive purpose. Recently restored, it now hosts the Museum of Pirates and Corsairs, which illustrates through panels, reconstructions, and multimedia content the strategic role of the fortress and the stories of maritime raids. Although the exhibition is not very large, the visit allows guests to explore original rooms such as the kitchen and altar, and to reach the panoramic terrace overlooking the coast. The museum is particularly engaging thanks to its interactive approach: visitors can watch short, immersive films that bring the history to life and even take part in a game that makes the experience more dynamic, especially for younger audiences. Admission costs €7 per person, a fair price for the cultural and historical value provided. Despite its relatively small size, the museum offers a stimulating and well-structured experience. Key strengths include the authenticity of the building, the quality of the restoration, the interactive exhibition, and the panoramic sea view. On the downside, all information and multimedia content are only available in English: there are no guides, nor audio guides with translations into other languages. Overall, Saint Thomas Tower is a recommended stop for anyone interested in Malta’s defensive history and for visitors seeking a cultural experience in a unique...

Currently (Feb 2023) closed.

It was built in 1614 to protect the sheltered Marsaskala Creek, after the Turkish Ottomans had landed during the Raid of Zejtun. It was named Saint Thomas after a nearby Chapel was dec.51 Chapel was dedicated to him, and had an artillery battery added in 1715. The French briefly occupied the Fort from 1798 to 1800 when it was stormed by Maltese insurgents and recaptured, with the British briefly using it as a prison. For many years it lay abandoned, being used as a Restaurant and Pizzeria at one time, but was handed over to a heritage foundation in 2008. Work is now underway to restore it and eventually open it...

Happy to see this fort (finally) renovated and open to the public, it houses a museum on piracy (Corso) of the central and local Mediterranean.

A great added value for Marsaskala, sadly that there are still no plans in place for the removal of the "eyesore" Jerma abandoned hostel.

The museum is spread over 3 floors and the roof of the fort is also accessible, offering good visibility over Zonqor point and Munxar point, Marsaskala bay and St Thomas Bay.

Warm welcome and the museography is clear and on...