Photographing the Red Tower
The Red Tower, with some Photoshop manipulation.
A CHALLENGING TIME CAPTURING THE RED TOWER
Blending my passion for photography with a deep-rooted interest in history has been a rewarding aspect of my working life. Each time I press the camera shutter, I capture a piece of the past and find myself drawn to places where history still whispers its tales, offering glimpses into bygone eras.
Recently, my two photo walks have taken me to the Red Tower, also known as St Agatha’s Tower, in Mellieha, Malta. This imposing structure is steeped in history and also proved challenging to capture in a single frame due to some rather uncooperative weather. Despite the disappointment of not achieving the planned image, with the help of some post-processing in Photoshop, I found a creative workaround for the images accompanying this post.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE RED TOWER
Positioned strategically on the Marfa ridge, the imposing Red Tower offers panoramic views of Malta’s sister islands, Comino and Gozo. Originally commissioned by the Knights of St John, it was constructed between 1647 and 1649 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris Castellar. The Red Tower formed part of the island’s coastal defensive network, a sentinel and signal station to warn off any enemy seaborne invasion.
Designed by Antonio Garmin, the Red Tower boasts a formidable appearance. Its square plan with four corner turrets and walls measuring almost five meters thick, along with the reinforced barrel-vaulted ceiling, was built to withstand the weight and force of cannons situated on the roof. Historically, it housed a garrison of thirty soldiers and was stocked with ample supplies to withstand a siege of forty days.
As Malta’s history shifted from the Knights’ rule to becoming part of the British Empire, the Red Tower adapted to different military roles. Eventually, serving as a radar and communication centre for the Maltese Armed Forces. By the end of the 20th century, the tower had fallen into disrepair. Thankfully, Din l-Art Helwa, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic and artistic heritage, took control of the tower and undertook a major restoration project between 1999 and 2001. This restoration work included the replacement of damaged turrets, rebuilding walls and the roof, and restoring original features such as the floor and staircase.
Today, the Red Tower stands as a testament to Malta’s rich military history and serves as a stunning reminder of the island’s enduring resilience.
