Next Sunday, the public are invited to experience magical, star-filled dark skies at the historic 17th century knights-era watchtower – Ta’ Sopu.

Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex said that this is one of the least light-polluted areas in Gozo and is located on the outskirts of Nadur. Entrance will be free of charge and will provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to see inside this fully restored heritage site

Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors on Sunday, the 28th of August, from 8.00pm. They explained that the nearby large family park is the perfect place to observe dark skies on a summer’s evening.

Also, at 8.30, 9.30 and 10.30pm, there will also be short talks in English, about Maltese bats, by a local researcher currently collecting data on bat species and their numbers on Gozo.

Ta’ Sopu Tower (also known as La Torre Nuova, Isopu, Nadur or San Blas Tower) was built in 1667 during the reign of Grandmaster Nicholas Cotoner and has a distinction no other can claim – its guns opened fire on the French invasion fleet on the 10th June 1798.

The restoration works on this remote Gozitan coastal watchtower were completed back in 2006, and carried out by Din l-Art Helwa, Malta’s National Trust, in partnership with Nadur Local Council, who now look after the building.

The watchtower, which is located on the outskirts of the village of Nadur, stands within a remote setting, surrounded by pristine garrigue habitat. It overlooks the formidable Mistra Rocks and offers panoramic roof-top views over the rugged coastline and clear blue waters of the North-eastern coast of Gozo.

Free information sheets about the tower’s history will be available on request in Maltese and English.

Parking: There is parking close by to Ta’ Sopu tower (refer to the map given in this link to the free, downloadable walking guide.

The NGO requests that visitors park responsibly and do not block roads or tracks leading to and from the area.

Bus route: Please do keep the environment in mind and attempt to carpool, cycle, walk or use the Malta Public Transport bus route 303 (nearest stop is Weraq).

Public toilets: There are no public toilet facilities at the tower or in the nearby park.

DLH said that the walk from the nearest parking area to the tower takes around 15-20 minutes on an uneven track. “We suggest visitors wear suitable footwear with a good grip, bring a torch (preferably with a red light setting) or a mobile phone with a torch function and plenty of drinking water. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.”

The number of visitors permitted in the tower at any one time is limited to 40, also DLH has asked that visitors please respect 2 metre social distancing.

*Visitors are requested to wear a face mask inside the tower and hand sanitiser will be provided for anyone entering and leaving the building.

Both the tower roof and basement/ cistern area can only be accessed by a narrow stone spiral staircase.

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