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Madliena Tower

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Historical site
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Madliena Tower (Malta)

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Madliena Tower is a significant coastal watchtower situated on high ground overlooking Madliena Bay on the northern coast of Malta. It was constructed in 1658 during the reign of Grand Master Martin de Redin as part of a series of thirteen defensive towers intended to provide an early warning system. These towers used smoke and fire signals to alert the capital city of Valletta about approaching enemy fleets. Unlike many other De Redin towers, Madliena Tower was heavily modified by the British military in the 19th century, which included the installation of a 64-pounder rifled muzzle-loading gun. Geographically, its elevated position provides a strategic panoramic view of the northeastern sea approaches to the island. The tower features a two-story structure built from locally quarried limestone with thick defensive walls. Today, the tower is a listed national monument and has undergone restoration to preserve its structural integrity. It remains an enduring symbol of Maltese military architecture, reflecting the strategic importance of coastal defense over three centuries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Madliena Tower is a 17th-century historic watchtower that can be viewed from the outside. The interior is typically not open to the public.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, the tower can be viewed from the outside at any time. There are no set opening hours for the interior.
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Photography
Photography of the tower is allowed at any time - its hilltop location provides a good view. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the tower with its surroundings.
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Time needed
Visiting the tower takes only about 5-10 minutes as only exterior viewing is possible. Allow a little extra time for the climb and the view.
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Combine with
Combine the tower with the nearby Madliena Bridge and Victoria Lines. The beaches of Mellieħa are also not far.
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Getting there
The tower is on a hill northeast of Madliena, reachable via an unpaved path. Best to park on the road and walk.
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Insider tip
Visit late afternoon when the sun lights up the Maltese coast. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the climb.

Geography

Coordinates
35.93440, 14.47220

Facts

  • The tower was completed on May 19, 1658, at a total cost of 494 scudi.
  • It was the fourth tower built in the series commissioned by Grand Master Martin de Redin.
  • The British added a modern artillery emplacement to the tower in 1873.
  • The tower overlooks the site of a former 19th-century coastal battery.
  • Historically, the lower floor was used for storage while the upper floor housed the guard.
  • Restoration work in 2009 fixed structural cracks caused by historical artillery fire.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pembroke Heritage ParkPembroke Heritage Park<1 km · EExplore →
Splash and Fun Water ParkSplash and Fun Water Park1 km · WExplore →
LaserMaxx (Bay Street)LaserMaxx (Bay Street)2 km · SEExplore →
Il-Għollieqa RidgeIl-Għollieqa Ridge3 km · SExplore →
NaxxarNaxxar3 km · SWExplore →
Duck Village (Gzira)Duck Village (Gzira)4 km · SEExplore →
St. Michael ChapelSt. Michael Chapel4 km · SExplore →
MsidaMsida4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Madliena Tower (10)

Torri tal-Madliena🏰 castle

A De Redin Tower, a former watchtower from the 17th century.

Ladder 2

Narrow access to the sea via a steep rock-cut staircase.

Ladder 1

Narrow access to the sea via a steep rock-cut staircase.

Wreck of Lockheed Neptune

Wreck of a Lockheed Neptune reconnaissance aircraft, lying in the sea.

Australia Hall

Former theatre and cinema in Pembroke, Malta, now a ruin.

Fort Madalena

19th-century fortification in Pembroke.

Fort Pembroke

Polygonal fort in Malta, built in the 19th century.

Splash and Fun

Water park with slides and pools for children and families.

Mediterraneo Malta Marine Park

Zoo featuring dolphin and sea lion shows.

Saint George's Beach

Sandy beach in St. Julian's, surrounded by hotels and restaurants.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Madliena Tower located?
It is located on the north coast of Malta, near Pembroke.
Can you see the inside of the tower?
It is usually closed, but can be viewed from the outside during coastal hikes.
What was the function of the tower?
It was part of the Lascaris defense network, used to warn of enemy ships.
Is the path there difficult?
The coastal path is partially uneven but manageable for average hikers.
Is there a good view from there?
Yes, you have a wide view over the Mediterranean and the Victoria Lines.
Madliena Tower: where is it located?
Madliena Tower is located in Malta.
Madliena Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Torri tal-Madliena, Ladder 2, Ladder 1.
Madliena Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Madliena Tower: why is it worth visiting?
Madliena Tower is a significant coastal watchtower situated on high ground overlooking Madliena Bay on the northern coast of Malta.
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Nearby cities

Naxxar — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Naxxar
Naxxar is a large town in central-northern Malta, known for the opulent Palazzo Parisio and its gardens.
Msida — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Msida
Msida is a harbour town close to Valletta, known for its large marina and the University of Malta.
Qawra — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Qawra
Qawra is a resort town adjacent to Buġibba, known for its hotels, the Malta National Aquarium, and the Salina Nature Park.
Santa Luċija — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Santa Luċija
Santa Luċija is one of the more modern towns in Malta, designed in the 1960s, and known for its Chinese Garden of Serenity.
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)
Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.

History & landmarks

Pembroke Heritage Park — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Pembroke Heritage Park
A former military zone that is now a protected nature area.
Manoel Theatre — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Manoel Theatre
One of the oldest working theatres in the world.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.
Mtarfa Clock Tower — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Mtarfa Clock Tower
A prominent clock tower from the British colonial era.
Fgura Parish Church — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Fgura Parish Church
A uniquely designed modern church in Fgura.
Xgħajra Promenade — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Xgħajra Promenade
A quiet coastal promenade.

Nature

Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.
Victoria Lines Fault — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
🗺️
Mtaħleb Valley
A fertile valley that slopes down to the sea, home to one of Malta's few streams.

More places

Splash and Fun Water Park — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Splash and Fun Water Park
Malta's largest water park, with slides, a wave pool, and a dinosaur park.
LaserMaxx (Bay Street) — Madliena Tower (Malta)
LaserMaxx (Bay Street)
A laser tag arena in the Bay Street Shopping Complex.
Il-Għollieqa Ridge — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Il-Għollieqa Ridge
A wooded ridge that borders the valley of San Ġwann.
Duck Village (Gzira) — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Duck Village (Gzira)
An informal sanctuary for ducks and cats run by volunteers.
St. Michael Chapel — Madliena Tower (Malta)
St. Michael Chapel
A small rural chapel from the 17th century.
Salina Nature Park — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Salina Nature Park
Restored salt pans that now serve as a wetland habitat for birds.
Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
A manufacturer of electronic components, mainly for the automotive industry.
Go-Karting Ta&#39; Qali — Madliena Tower (Malta)
Go-Karting Ta' Qali
A go-kart track suitable for different age groups.