Bubaqra Tower
| Bubaqra Tower | |
|---|---|
Torri ta' Bubaqra | |
 View of Bubaqra Tower | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Status | Intact |
| Type | Fortified house |
| Location | Bubaqra, Żurrieq, Malta |
| Completed | c. 1579 |
| Renovated | 18th century |
| Owner | Private |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Limestone |
Bubaqra Tower (Maltese: Torri ta' Bubaqra) is a fortified house in Bubaqra, limits of Żurrieq, Malta. It was built as a country retreat in the late 16th century. The tower and its gardens have been restored, and now serve as a family retreat.
History
Bubaqra Tower was built in around 1579 by Don Matteolo Pisani, a Conventual Chaplin of the Order of St. John.[1] Although the structure was fortified, it was privately owned and was not meant for defensive purposes. Despite this, at some point it was probably used in Malta's defence system, as was done in other cases such as Gauci and Mamo Towers.[2]
The structure was modified in the 18th century, and it was reportedly used as an illicit meeting place between members of the Order (who were supposed to be celibate) and young females.[3]
The tower was requisitioned by the British military during World War II, but was returned to its owners after the war.[4]
Bubaqra Tower and its gardens have been restored,[3] and it is now a family retreat.[5] The tower is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.[6]
Architecture
Bubaqra Tower is situated in an agricultural estate, and it is surrounded by citrus gardens.[1] It is square in shape, and has four distinctive corner turrets.[6] Its architecture probably influenced the design of the Gourgion Tower, which was built in the late 17th century on Gozo.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Azzopardi, Joe (October 2013). "The Gourgion Tower – Gone but not Forgotten (Part 1)" (PDF). Vigilo (44). Din l-Art Ħelwa: 46. ISSN 1026-132X. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 11, 2014.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Zurieq – Blue Grotto". maltassist.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014.
- ^ a b Attard, Mary (22 November 2014). "Preti, Ball and catacombs". Times of Malta. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015.
- ^ "Bubaqra Tower". Gozo Tourism Association. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015.
- ^ "About". bubaqra-tower.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Bubaqra Tower" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
Historic watch towers of Malta | ||
|---|---|---|
Associated with the Order of Saint John | ||
| Wignacourt towers |  | |
| Lascaris towers | ||
| De Redin towers | ||
| Tour–Reduits | ||
| Other Hospitaller towers | ||
| Privately built | ||
^ Demolished/destroyed 1 Builder unknown or uncertain | ||