The tower's original red color was likely achieved using a mixture of lime and local red clay.
It was designed as a 'de Redin' tower, one of a series built by Grand Master Martin de Redin to defend the Maltese coastline.
The interior chapel houses a 17th-century painting of St. Agatha.
The roof provides a vantage point where all other towers in the defensive network can be signaled.
During the Second World War, the British military utilized the tower as a coastal radar station.
The towers were built to resist Ottoman pirate raids that frequently targeted the northern Maltese coast.
The structure underwent significant structural reinforcement in the early 2000s to prevent collapse from geological instability.
The Red Tower, officially known as Saint Agatha's Tower, is a 17th-century fortification constructed by the Order of St. John in Malta. Located on the Marfa Ridge, the square building features four corner towers and was designed by architect Antonio Garsin. It served as a vital communication link between Gozo and the Grand Harbour during the Knights Hospitaller era. The walls are approximately 4 meters thick, engineered to withstand cannon fire from the coastline. It played a significant strategic role during the British colonial period and as a radar station in World War II. The structure was restored by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a national heritage organization, beginning in 1999. It provides panoramic views of the Mellieħa coastline, Comino, and Gozo.
The roof terrace offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding Mediterranean islands.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the surrounding landscape is rugged and uneven.
Combine your visit with a hike along the Marfa Ridge trails for unobstructed coastal scenery.
Bring binoculars to better distinguish the neighboring islands of Comino and Gozo.
Do not attempt to access the roof during high-wind conditions, as the exposed location can be hazardous.
Operations managed by volunteers; intermittent closures may occur for private events or restoration maintenance.
