BOV sponsors restoration of Isopu Tower

Bank of Valletta has sponsored the restoration works, at Dahlet Qorrot Tower, also known as Torri ta' Isopu.

The works are being commissioned by Nadur council, with the collaboration of Din l-Art Helwa.

"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," BOV Gozo branch manager Jack Theuma said while presenting the sponsorship to Nadur mayor, Dr Chris Said.

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

Torri ta' Isopu is situated at the edge of a cliff between San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot Bay. Built in 1667 by Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner to guard area from the warships of the Turks who at that time sailed between Gozo and Sicily, it is 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 Two the tower was not used for defense but some bombs were still dropped in its vicinity. Fortunately none hit the tower. The works that will be undertaken will restore the Isopu Tower to some of its former glory.