Santa Marija Tower (1618) — the mighty watchtower of the Knights of Malta with 6-metre-thick walls. Comino's most important defensive structure, restored by Din l-Art Helwa volunteers.
In 1618, Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt ordered a tower built on the summit of Comino. The purpose was clear: control the channel between Malta and Gozo — a strategic point through which an Ottoman fleet could arrive. Santa Marija Tower was the eyes and ears of the entire archipelago.
The tower walls are 6 metres thick — that's longer than a car. The entrance was on the first floor, accessible only by ladder, which could be pulled inside. An artillery platform with several cannons was installed on the roof. A small garrison (8-12 soldiers) could hold the tower for weeks.
The tower was part of a signal network — a system of fires and smoke allowed transmitting a warning from Gozo to Valletta in 15 minutes. Each tower could see two neighbours, creating a defensive chain around the entire archipelago.
After centuries of neglect, the tower fell into ruin. In 2002, the Maltese heritage organisation Din l-Art Helwa (Heritage Guardian) undertook restoration. Volunteers — often students and retirees — spent years rebuilding walls, installing stairs, and creating a small historical exhibit. Today the tower is open to visitors (free entry) and offers panoramic views of all Comino.
The Knights of Malta's watchtower system inspired fortifications across Europe — including 17th-century Polish strongholds. Polish nobles belonging to the Order swore oaths to defend exactly such watchtowers.
In what year was Santa Marija Tower built?
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British quarantine hospital from the 1890s — soldiers returning from cholera epidemics spent weeks in isolation here. Later a school, shop, pub. Abandoned in the 1960s.
Abandoned school from 1948 — single-room, where one teacher taught children of all ages. Closed when the last families left the island.