A close-up showing the tower restoration.

The 19th-century Delimara lighthouse has been beautifully restored and the lighthouse keeper’s accommodations converted into two charming apartments for rent.

The refurbished structure, which is in the trust of heritage organisation Din l-Art Ħelwa, was inaugurated last night.

Two apartments have been turned into holiday accommodation offering spectacular views – even from the bathrooms.

The apartments, which accommodate up to five people each, can be rented individually or together. All proceeds will go towards the restoration and environmental funds of the NGO.

The simplicity of the residence was retained through the original stone elements in the kitchen and colourful limewash scheme.

All proceeds from the apartment rentals will go towards the restoration and environmental funds of Din l-Art Ħelwa

The refurbishment project was split in two phases. First, the entire fabric of the lighthouse was restored, including the timber apertures, the roof, the walls and the lantern tower.

The second stage focused on the lantern and its machinery.

A restored spiral staircase.

Built by the British in 1850, the landmark at the southernmost tip of the island was constructed soon after the Ta’ Giordan lighthouse in Gozo.

Until 1896, the lighthouse boasted a static red lantern but this was replaced by a more powerful gasoline lamp, operated by a hand-wound mechanism that produced beams of alternating red and white light flashed at intervals of 30 seconds. Its arc of visibility ranged from a bearing of 19 to 295 degrees, up to a range of 19 nautical miles.

It enjoys marvellous views of Marsascala and is opposite Birżebbuġa and close to Marsaxlokk. It is also a few minutes’ walk from rocky beaches and the crystal clear waters of Peter’s Pool.

The structure featured in the 1970 British film Eyewitness, about a young boy who lived in the lighthouse with his grandfather and witnessed the murder of a dignitary, but found difficulty finding someone to believe him.

For more information, dial 2122 5952 or 2122 0358 or send an e-mail to info@dinlarthelwa.org.