Għallis Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Għallis Tower |
|
|---|---|
| Torri tal-Għallis | |
| Part of the De Redin towers | |
| Salina, Naxxar, Malta | |
Għallis Tower viewed from the west
|
|
| Coordinates | 35°57′11.8″N 14°26′03.9″E / 35.953278°N 14.434417°E |
| Type | Coastal watchtower |
| Height | 12 m |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of Malta |
| Controlled by | Din l-Art Ħelwa |
| Open to the public |
Yes (by appointment) |
| Condition | Intact |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1658 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
The Għallis Tower (also called Torri tal-Għallis in Maltese) is a small watchtower located in Salina, near Naxxar, Malta. It was built in 1658 and was the second of many towers known as the De Redin towers. Today, the tower is in good shape.
Building the Għallis Tower
Għallis Tower was built in 1658. It stands on the eastern shore of Għallis Point, which is called Ras l-Għallis in Maltese. This tower helped guard the entrance to Salina Bay. It worked together with Qawra Tower, which was one of the Lascaris towers.
The tower might have been built where an older watch post once stood. It looks like other De Redin towers. It has a square shape with two floors and a small turret on its roof. The outside walls are made of strong limestone that can handle bad weather. The inside walls are made of a softer type of limestone.
Originally, a small group of soldiers lived in the tower. This group included a bombardier, who was in charge of the cannons, and three gunners. They used a three-pound iron cannon to defend the coast.
Changes Over Time
During the time when Malta was under British rule, Għallis Tower was changed a bit. A new doorway was made on the ground floor. Also, new roof slabs were put in place.
Għallis Tower Today
By the 1990s, Għallis Tower was in poor condition. Parts of its outside walls were covered with plaster and cement. Many weeds were growing around it. The inside of the tower was also damaged from many fires that had been lit there.
A group called Din l-Art Ħelwa helped fix the tower. They restored it between 1995 and 1996. A lot of the old stone had to be replaced during this work.
Today, Din l-Art Ħelwa still looks after the tower. It is now in very good condition. You can visit the tower by making an appointment.
In 2015, a new LED lighting system was put into Għallis Tower. The tower is not connected to Malta's main electricity system. So, the energy for the lights comes from solar panels placed on the tower's roof.
See also
In Spanish: Torre Ghallis para niños
