Ta’ Sopu Watchtower, Gozo

Tower in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthew Curmi

Perched dramatically on a rugged cliff between San Blas Bay and Daħlet Qorrot on the northeast coast of Gozo, the Ta' Sopu Watchtower commands one of the island's most remote and scenic vantage-points. Constructed in 1667 by the Order of Saint John during the tenure of Grandmaster Nicolas Cotoner, the tower was built at the expense of the Università of Gozo.

Unlike more famous coastal sites, this watchtower offers a quieter, less-visited slice of Maltese military history — its thick inward-sloping limestone walls, barrel-vaulted ceilings and spiral staircase still hint at its defensive purpose. The major reason for its location? Its strategic height (around 120-130 metres above sea level) made it ideal for monitoring the northeastern approaches to Gozo and signaling to other towers across the channel.

What truly sets Ta' Sopu apart is its claim to unique historical action: in June 1798, as French forces arrived to occupy Gozo, this tower is recorded as the only small coastal tower to fire its guns at the invading fleet. After years of decline, the tower was extensively restored by the heritage NGO Din l‑Art Ħelwa and the Nadur Local Council between 2003 and 2006, and reopened on 20 August 2006.

Today, Ta' Sopu stands not only as a monument of defence but also as a scenic viewpoint over Gozo's wild coastal terrain — a place where nature and history intertwine.

How to Visit Ta' Sopu Watchtower

Getting There

By car: Drive from Victoria (Rabat) towards Nadur, then follow signs to San Blas and Daħlet Qorrot. The tower is located on a remote cliff road; parking is available nearby.
By bus: Public transport is limited to the general area of Nadur; from there a walk of 10–15 minutes on uneven terrain is required.
On foot / walk: The tower forms part of the Daħlet Qorrot walk trail — a scenic coastal route well suited to hikers.

Opening Details
Access to the interior of Ta' Sopu is somewhat restricted. The tower is open to visitors on three Sundays each month, or during special events organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa. Check local listings for the latest schedule

What to Bring & Watch Out For

Wear sturdy shoes: the approach is along rocky tracks and the interior uses a reconstructed spiral staircase.
There are no public toilet facilities at the site.
The location is exposed: bring sun protection, a drink, and stay aware of cliff edges for safety.

What to Expect at Ta' Sopu

Visiting Ta' Sopu Watchtower is an experience that blends exploration with solitude. Inside, you'll find reconstructed architectural features — the high barrel vault, rib-arched intermediate floor, and doorway with original escutcheons of the Order, the Università of Gozo, Grandmaster Cotoner and the Governor of Gozo.

Climb to the roof (when accessible) and you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across the northern sea, the Mistra Rocks and the inlets of Daħlet Qorrot. It's a perfect spot for photographing Gozo's raw coastline. Many visitors highlight the sense of being on the edge of the world.

Because it's comparatively quiet compared to more famous towers, Ta' Sopu gives a deeper, more contemplative atmosphere. Whether you're interested in military architecture, natural scenery or peaceful solitude, the site delivers all three.

The Ta’ Sopu Watchtower, Gozo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Victoria (Rabat), Gozo!

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