The newly restored Xlendi Tower has been opened to the public and inaugurated by the government.

The restoration cost a total of €355,000 and was co-financed by funds from the European Union.

Xlendi Tower is the oldest tower in Gozo, dating back to 1650 when it was built during the reign of Knights of St John Grandmaster Jean Paul Lascaris in 1650.

A number of frescoes, which include depictions of crucifixes, churches and candelabras, were also found during the restoration process and have also been professionally preserved.

The tower was inaugurated by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, Local Governments Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli, European Funds Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett and Munxar mayor Damien Spiteri on Friday.

Camilleri said that the project had allowed for the preservation of another historic building in Gozo and continued to improve the touristic product which Gozo offers, thereby allowing the island to continue to attract more quality tourists and strengthen the Gozitan economy.

“The restoration of sites like this will remain a priority for the government as it recognises that the country’s heritage should be kept in the best state possible,” Camilleri said.

Bonett emphasised the importance of preserving Malta’s heritage, and said that the tower is expected to welcome around 10,000 visitors every year.

“With the help of European funds and together with the work of the Munxar local council we managed to turn this site from being inaccessible to become an historical attraction, while conserving our heritage,” he said.

Zerafa Civelli meanwhile said that the government is committed to financing local councils in order to allow for the restoration of historical places so that Malta’s heritage can be appreciated by future generations.

Spiteri meanwhile said on social media that he was satisfied with the completion of the project, and also announced that the tower will be open to visitors on Saturday, 8th July between 9am and 2pm and Sunday, 9th July between 9am and 11.30am and from 2pm to 5pm and that during these times visitors will have a one-time opportunity to make use of VR headsets offering a 360 degree experience of a Phoenician Wreck in the seas close by.