17th century tower being restored

Bank of Valletta has sponsored the undergoing restoration works at Dahlet Qorrot Tower, or Torri ta' Sopu, as it is generally called, in Nadur.

Nadur local council, with the collaboration of Din l-Art Helwa, commissioned the works.

Presenting the sponsorship to Nadur mayor Chris Said, Jack Theuma, manager of BOV in Gozo said: "Bank of Valletta is proud to play an active role within the communities in which it operates. As a Maltese bank, BOV is keen to support the restoration of historical monuments. Our sponsorship of the restoration of the Torri ta' Sopu continues to underline the bank's commitment towards supporting the preservation of Maltese heritage."

Thanking BOV for its support, Dr Said said: "In spite of the fact that 337 years have passed since the tower was constructed, it is still standing though desperately in need of repair. Nadur local council and Din l-Art Helwa have decided to take on the responsibility to carry out the necessary works to safeguard this tower from total destruction. The restoration works would not have been possible without the generous input by Bank of Valletta".

The Torri ta' Sopu is situated at the edge of a cliff between San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot Bay. It was built in 1667 by Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner to guard this part of Gozo from the warships of the Turks who at that time sailed between Gozo and Sicily. This was the last one in a series of towers built in Gozo. The tower remained in operation until April 1, 1873, after which no more soldiers were stationed for guard duties in the tower. Since then, it has been abandoned.

During World War II the tower was not utilised for defence but some bombs were still dropped in its vicinity. However, none hit the tower. The works that will be undertaken will restore the Sopu Tower to some of its former glory.