Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower |
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|---|---|
| Torri ta' Xrobb l-Għaġin | |
| Part of the De Redin towers | |
| Marsaxlokk, Malta | |
| Coordinates | 35°50′28″N 14°34′16.5″E / 35.84111°N 14.571250°E |
| Type | Coastal watchtower |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1659 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' Xrobb l-Għaġin), also known as Torre di Siuarep, was once a watchtower in Marsaxlokk, Malta. It was built a long time ago, in 1659. This tower was part of a group of towers called the De Redin towers. These towers were built to watch over the coast and protect the island.
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What Was Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower?
Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower was a special building. Its main job was to act as a lookout point. From here, guards could spot any enemy ships coming towards Malta. It was the eighth tower built by Grand Master Martin de Redin.
Building the Tower
The tower was built by the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of Saint John. They were a group of knights who ruled Malta for many years. They built many forts and towers to defend the island. In 1761, a defensive wall was added around the tower. This wall had two pointed sections called redans. These were built to give soldiers a better view and firing position.
Why the Tower is Ruined
Sadly, Xrobb l-Għaġin Tower is mostly destroyed today. This is because it was built using a type of rock called globigerina limestone. This stone is common in Malta. However, it is very soft and easily worn away by wind and rain. Over hundreds of years, the weather slowly broke down the tower.
What You Can See Today
Even though the tower is mostly gone, you can still see some parts of it. The bottom part of the tower, which was sloped for defense, is still visible. You can also see the general shape of the defensive wall that was built around it. These remains help us imagine what the tower looked like long ago.
