The consolidation and restoration works on the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower have been completed by the Department of Restoration and Preservation, bringing new life to the Tower since it was damaged by strong weather in 2023.

The Għajn Tuffieħa Tower - built in 1637 as one of several coastal towers constructed under Grand Master Lascaris to protect the Maltese coast from pirate invasions - has had its works completed, "ensuring that this tower will remain standing for future generations, in a safe and dignified condition," said Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.

Minister Bonnici thanked the staff within the Lands Authority for its cooperation in this project, across this entire work process and in previous months.

Minister Bonnici referred to the Għajn Tuffieħa Tower as "not only a testament to our country's defensive history, but it is also one of the symbols of our coastal identity." He affirmed that "the protection of our historical heritage remains a priority for this government."

The Għajn Tuffieħa Tower suffered extensive damage in 2023 following heavy rain and winds caused by Cyclone Helios that February. These weather conditions led to the collapse of the central section of the Tower's upper part of its southwestern facing façade. The Lands Authority had intervened immediately, erecting a scaffolding around the tower to support the structure and prevent further collapse.

The Department of Restoration and Preservation had commenced essential repair works to address the Tower's structural damage earlier this May, following the approval of necessary permits by the Planning Authority.

These works also included additional interventions to prevent further damage to the building. These works have concluded this week.

These works included the reconstruction of the collapsed section, the removal or replacement of iron elements that had corroded and were damaging surrounding stonework, the insertion of gutters to divert rainwater away from the structure, and the plastering of exposed wires.