It was part of a three-station semaphore chain that relayed messages between the Governor’s Palace in Valletta and the Citadel in Victoria.
The tower features a distinctive flat-roof design, originally necessary for the installation of the wooden mechanical semaphore arms.
The site hosts a botanical garden containing species endemic to the Maltese archipelago, such as the Maltese Rock-centaury.
Its strategic positioning allows for visibility across the entire Malta-Gozo channel, making it a key observation point for naval monitoring in the 1800s.
Ta' Kenuna Tower is a 19th-century semaphore tower situated on the highest plateau of Nadur, Gozo. Originally constructed by the British in 1848, it served as a critical link in a maritime communications network connecting Valletta to the Gozo Citadel. The tower is built of local globigerina limestone and stands as one of the few remaining functional examples of the telegraph system that preceded radio. Today, the surrounding grounds feature a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous Maltese flora. The site provides unobstructed panoramic views of the Gozo channel, Comino, and the northern coast of Malta. The structure was restored in the early 21st century to maintain its historical integrity.
The perimeter wall facing the sea, offering a clear line of sight to Comino and the main island of Malta.
Visit during clear weather to maximize visibility of the neighboring islands.
Bring sun protection as the plateau is completely exposed with minimal shade.
Walk the perimeter of the botanical garden to identify labeled native plant species.
Do not attempt to climb the tower structure itself, as it is a protected heritage site with limited public interior access.
The botanical garden and grounds may have seasonal access restrictions; checking local municipal updates is recommended.
