St Thomas Tower Reopens After €3.39 Million Restoration

Marsascala’s iconic St Thomas Tower has reopened its doors following a €3.39 million restoration project, transforming the 17th-century fortification into Malta’s first state-of-the-art museum dedicated to piracy and corsair history.

The project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (2014–2020) and led by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday evening by 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.

The newly opened Corsair and Piracy Museum is the first of its kind in Malta. It explores the rich and complex history of piracy and corsair activity in the Mediterranean, with engaging exhibits featuring dramatic naval encounters, daring corsairs, and historical moments such as the Maltese Militia’s retaking of the Tower during the French blockade of 1798.

Using interactive digital displays, projection mapping, and multi-sensory installations, the museum provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Deputy Prime Minister Borg hailed the project as a major step in enhancing cultural tourism in Marsascala saying, “This investment not only preserves a national landmark, but also adds a unique, year-round attraction that boosts the local economy and enriches our tourism offering.”

Originally built in 1614 by the Knights of St John, St Thomas Tower served as a key coastal defence against enemy landings in Marsascala Creek and St Thomas Bay. It remains the largest Wignacourt tower in the Maltese Islands.

Restoration works included structural repairs, stone restoration, water ingress protection, and accessibility upgrades. Two original reservoirs were restored for rainwater harvesting, and the site is now equipped with energy-efficient lighting and a smart climate control system.

The Corsair and Piracy Museum is open daily from 10:00am to 4:30pm, offering guided tours, educational programmes, and family-friendly activities.

For more details or to book a visit, go to: www.wirtartna.org/st-thomas-tower

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