The Mgarr ix-Xini Coastal Tower was officially inaugurated by the Hon. Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono. The event included traditional food and dancing.
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Press release
Mgarr Ix-Xini tower is one of the 14 coastal towers built during the reign of Grand Master de REdin. It was constructed in 1661 on the left-hand side of the mouth of Mgarr ix-Xini creek. Although its design is similar to that of the other 13 towers, it is slightly larger and varies in some minor details. Of the four watch-towers built along the Gozo coast – the others being at Dahlet Qorrot, Dwejra and Xlendi – the Mgarr ix-Xini tower was in the worst condition.
Restoration works have been carried out under the auspices of the Gozo Ministry and have been divided into phases because of the extensive work required. In phase one, the south-east corner of the tower, which was in imminent danger of collapse due to excessive erosion, was carefully dismantled and reconstructed. The missing parapet walls and rooms at roof level were rebuilt according to the original plans. This phase also included the replacement of heavily eroded facades of the tower, especially the south face, which had partly disintegrated since it faces the sea, and the pointing of joints and restoration of the partly eroded external stonework.
The second phase of the project consisted of the internal reconstruction of the demolished intermediate floor of the tower, a missing stone spiral staircase and of the tower’s internal walls. Unfortunately, just as this phase was nearing completion, vandals destroyed part of the stairs, broke the five-foot water spout and damaged the insider floor slabs.
The third phase included the repairing of the damage from the vandal attack, and also the installation of apertures to close access to the inside of the tower. This was completed by June 2008. The fourth and final phase eventually saw the re-construction of the drawbridge. This was completed in July 2009, and the tower was officially inaugurated by the Minister for Gozo, Hon. Giovanna Debono, on the 3rd July, 2009.
The tower has ever since been opened to the public by volunteers of Wirt Ghawdex, by appointment and free of charge.
Courtesy of and created by Dr Stephen C Spiteri
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Click on image above for a 3D virtual tour of the tower