Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex are inviting the public to learn more about the history of the 17th century knights-era watchtower at Ta’ Sopu on Gozo.

This free event will also provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to see inside the fully restored heritage site on the afternoon of Sunday, the 30th of October, between 1.00pm – 4.00pm. At 2.00pm and 3.00pm, Dr. Stanley Farrugia Randon will be giving short talks about the building’s fascinating history.

Dr. Farrugia Randon is a medical doctor who has been an active committee member of Din l-Art Helwa for the past 30 years, during which time he has served as president of the Youth Section and been involved with numerous restoration projects.

Dr Randon was previously the volunteer warden of Wignacourt Tower in St Paul’s Bay and has published numerous articles and books on topics related to health, the environment and heritage sites of the Maltese Islands.

Restoration works on this 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 tower, is located on the outskirts of the village of Nadur, and stands within a remote setting, surrounded by pristine garrigue habitat.

It overlooks the formidable Mistra Rocks and offers panoramic roof- views over the rugged coastline of the North-eastern coast of 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!

Event information for visitors:

Please bring plenty of drinking water, a hat and sun block/ waterproof clothing. We suggest wearing sturdy footwear with a good grip and ankle support.

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

Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex has requested that visitors please keep the environment in mind and attempt to car share, cycle, walk or use the Malta Public Transport bus route 303 (nearest stop is Weraq).

Please kindly park vehicles responsibly, and do not block roads or tracks leading to and from the area. The walk from the nearest parking area to the tower takes around 15-20 minutes over uneven and unsurfaced tracks.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There are no public toilet facilities at the tower or in the nearby park.

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

Free tower information sheets will also be available in Maltese and English on request.

Din l-Art Ghawdex follows suggested guidelines for Covid-19 for cultural sites. These aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and tower volunteers and may include limiting visitor numbers inside the tower at any one time. Please respect social distancing guidelines. Hand sanitiser will be provided for anyone entering and leaving the building.

For more information or event queries, please contact Din l-Art Helwa – Ghawdex on Tel: +356 21225952 / 21220358 or by email to info@dinlarthelwa

Photo by Simon Wallace

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