Għaxaq Semaphore Tower

The Għaxaq Semaphore Tower (Maltese: It-Torri tas-Semaforu ta' Ħal Għaxaq), known locally as it-Turretta (the turret),[1] is a semaphore tower in the town of Għaxaq, Malta. It was built by the British in 1848, as one of three semaphore towers in Malta. The tower is now leased to the Għaxaq Local Council, which has plans to restore it.

Għaxaq Semaphore Tower
It-Torri tas-Semaforu ta' Ħal Għaxaq
View of Għaxaq Semaphore Tower
Alternative namesIt-Turretta
General information
StatusIntact
TypeSemaphore tower
LocationGħaxaq, Malta
Coordinates35°50′50.2″N 14°30′53.1″E
Completed1848
Technical details
MaterialLimestone
Floor count3

History

The semaphore telegraph system was invented in 1792, and the British military authorities began to consider installing such a system in Malta in the early 1840s. Initially, it was planned that semaphore stations be established on the bell towers and domes of the island's churches, but the religious authorities rejected the proposal. Due to this, in 1848 new semaphore towers were constructed at Għaxaq and Għargħur on the main island of Malta, and another was built at Ta' Kenuna in Nadur, Gozo. Further stations were established at the Governor's Palace in Valletta, Selmun Palace near Mellieħa, and the Giordan Lighthouse near Għasri, Gozo. Each station was manned by the Royal Engineers.[2]

The Għaxaq Semaphore Tower was built at the highest point in the town, and its roof has views of Birżebbuġa, Marsaxlokk and Mdina.[3] The semaphore system became obsolete with the introduction of the electrical telegraph, and all the stations in Malta were closed by the 1880s.[2]

In August 2011, the tower was transferred to the Għaxaq Local Council at a low rent of €250 per year.[3] The council intends to restore the building with the assistance of the NGO Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.[4]

Architecture

The Għaxaq Semaphore Tower is identical to the towers at Għargħur and Ta' Kenuna, consisting of three floors, each containing a single room. The floors are linked together and with the roof by a spiral staircase. The signalling equipment, consisting of a wooden pole with three movable arms, was located on the tower's roof.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Ghaxaq turret passed on to council". Times of Malta. 4 August 2011. Archived from the original on 21 June 2015.
  2. "Semaphore Tower". Għargħur Local Council. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  3. "Għaxaq Tower Becomes council's responsibility". The Malta Independent. 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  4. Vassallo, Emanuel. "Business Plan 2012–2014" (PDF). Għaxaq Local Council. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 March 2016.
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