The Malta Tourism Authority has completed a €3.39 million EU co-funded restoration of Marsascala’s St Thomas Tower, as this 17th century coastal fortification reopened its doors as a state-of-the-art museum experience that brings Malta’s piracy and corsair history to life.
On Wednesday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, and Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, inaugurated this project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF 2014–2020) and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.
The Corsair and Piracy Museum within the Tower is the first in Malta dedicated entirely to the Mediterranean’s complex history of corsair activity and piracy. It presents centuries of adventure, uncovering tales of daring corsairs, feared pirates, and dramatic naval encounters, including the retaking of the Tower by the Maltese Militia during the French blockade of 1798. Through multi-sensory installations, projection mapping, interactive digital displays, and other cutting-edge technologies, this new museum offers a captivating educational experience for visitors of all ages – families, students, and tourists alike.
“This transformation of St Thomas Tower into a high-quality cultural attraction ensures the preservation of this national landmark, while augmenting Marsascala’s role as a growing hub for cultural tourism,” Deputy Prime Minister Borg said, adding that “this investment created another unique year-round experience for visitors and locals alike, supporting local economic development, as well as the continued diversification of our tourism product, as part of our strategy towards long-term sustainability and resilience for this vital industry.”
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi commended this project as an example of how European funds are being utilised strategically to strengthen cultural identity and regional development. “St Thomas Tower has not only been given a new lease of life but is now offering visitors a unique educational and cultural experience about an intriguing aspect of our country’s maritime history,” the Minister said.
He thanked Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as the Funds and Programmes Division, for their contribution to this project.
Malta Tourism Authority Director of Product Development Kevin Fsadni, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna Executive Chairman Mario Farrugia, representatives of the Marsascala Local Council, and other entities and companies who worked on this project were among the guests at Wednesday’s inauguration.
St Thomas Tower was erected in 1614 as a bastioned watchtower, one of six Wignacourt towers built by the Knights of St John. Its primary function was to repel enemy incursions and prevent landings in the sheltered anchorages of Marsascala Creek and St Thomas Bay, thereby protecting key inland settlements such as Zejtun. The Tower is the largest of its kind in the Maltese Islands, commanding expansive views of the southern coast.
The EU co-funded restoration works included structural consolidation, masonry repair, reinstatement of original architectural features, water ingress protection, and sensitive upgrades to improve accessibility. Two reservoirs within the Tower were restored for rainwater harvesting. The site was also equipped with LED lighting and a smart climate control system, for increased energy efficiency.
The Corsair and Piracy Museum is open to the public every day from 10am to 4:30pm, offering guided tours, educational programmes, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. For more information and bookings, visit www.wirtartna.org/st-thomas-tower.
Photo: DOI/MFT-MFI
