Torri ta' Wignacourt — Attraction in Saint Paul's Bay

Wignacourt Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' Wignacourt), also known as Saint Paul's Bay Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' San Pawl il-Baħar), is a bastioned watchtower in St. Paul's Bay, Malta. It was the first of six Wignacourt towers to be built, and the first stone was laid on 10 February 1610. It replaced the role of Ta' Tabibu farmhouse which was previously known as Dejma Tower. An artillery battery was added a century later in 1715. Today the tower is a museum of fortifications around the Maltese Islands.

DAN IT-TORRI MIBNI MILL-GRAN MASTRU ALOF DE WIGNACOURT FIS-SENA 1610 ĠIE RESTAWRAT MILL-GĦAQDA NAZZJONALI DIN L-ART ĦELWA FIS-SENA 1975 BIEX TIĠI MFAKKRA IS-SENA TAL-WIRT ARKITETTONIKU FL-EWROPA

(meaning This tower, built by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt in the year 1610, was restored by the National Trust Din l-Art Ħelwa in the year 1975 to commemorate the European Architectural Heritage Year.)

Since 1998, the tower has been a museum, and its exhibits include models of various fortifications found in the Maltese islands, reproductions of items used by the tower's occupants in the 17th and 18th centuries, old photos and a restored cannon.[2]

In 2010, the 400th anniversary of the tower was celebrated by the St. Paul's Bay Local Council, the Festa Committee and Din l-Art Ħelwa by a series of events including re-enactments, tours, discussions and traditional Maltese folklore.[7]

The tower was restored and cleaned once...

Very interesting visit. Rich in history, Wignacourt Tower is the oldest surviving Tower, that still has its original door, lock and key. A restored firing cannon is also present on the roof. On the first floor you can see the 'luxuries' for the men on guard, namely the well with fresh drinking water, the toilet, the fire stove, the bed... Amazing view from the top of the Tower. The museum curator has a lot of interesting facts to share and is very passionate about the subject, very helpful...

This is a stunning place rich in history. I don't think it would be that great for really young children or the elderly as the steel spiral staircase that leads up to the living area is a doozy! Then there a steps leading up again to the roof, from where the views (right across to st. Paul's island) are simply stunning. Well worth the €2 an adult, children are free, for the views alone. Best to go fairly early, before it gets too hot, as they...