Ghajn Hadid Tower
Ghajn Hadid Tower is a fortification on the island of Malta built in 1658 by the Knights of Malta under the auspices of Grand Master Fra. Martino De Redin. A watchtower, it stands on high ground on the cliffs known as Ghajn Hadid Cliffs, facing directly the stretch of coast known as "L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha" on the north shore of Malta.
It is one of a chain of de Redin towers towers that permitted communication between Gozo and the Knights headquarters in Valletta.
The Ghajn Hadid Tower was severely damaged in 1856 due to an earthquake that hit the Maltese islands. The blockhouse situated nearby survived the earthquake.
The typical commemorative plaque is missing; however it is on public display in the nearby town of Mellieha at the "tas-salib" garden together with the 6-pound cannon that was installed in the tower till the 1856 disaster.
Gallery
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Ghajn Hadid Tower photo taken coming uphill from the cliffs nearby to the east.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, close up photo taken coming uphill from the cliffs nearby to the east.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, southern side, photo taken from the immediate southern base of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, western side, photo taken from the immediate south western base of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, northern side, photo taken from the immediate northern base of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, eastern side, photo taken from the immediate north-eastern base of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, inside shot of the north-western internal corner, photo taken from top of the remains of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, Inside shot of the upper half of the southern side, photo taken from top of the remains of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, Inside shot of the lower half of the southern side, photo taken from top of the remains of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, view to the north. Photo taken from the immediate northern base of the tower. From here one can see the area known as "L-ahrax tal-Mellieha" in the forefront, Comino Island and St. Mary's Tower in the middle, and the island of Gozo in the background.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, view to the west. Selmun Bay. Photo taken from the immediate western base of the tower.
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Ghajn Hadid Tower, view to the east. Photo taken from the immediate eastern base of the tower. From here one can see the Ghajn Hadid cliffs in the forefront, the "Blata l-Bajda" point in the middle, and the islands of St. Paul in the background.
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Coordinates: 35°58′04″N 14°23′06″E / 35.96778°N 14.38500°E
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