Ta’ Sopu Tower

Kien l-aħħar torri li nbena mill-Ordni tal-Kavallieri ta’ San Ġwann mal-kosta ta’ Għawdex. Għalhekk, huwa kien baqa’ magħruf bħala La Torre Nouva, jew inkella t-Torri l-Ġdid. Aktar tard maż-żmien, insibuh ukoll riferut bħala La Torre di Dahlet Qorrot. Dan għaliex dan it-torri huwa mperreċ fuq is-sies tal-Mistra li jiġi bejn il-bajja ta’ San Blas u l-Port ta’ Daħlet Qorrot biex iħares din il-parti tal-kosta. Illum magħruf bħala t-Torri ta’ Sopu għax l-art li fl-inħawi tagħha huwa mibni kienu jgħidulha Ta’ Sopu.

After the need was felt, the tower began to be built in 1667 and was paid for by the University of Gozo and continued to be administered by the same University. This was an exception, because normally the other towers fell directly under the Commander of the Artillery.

On the facade of the tower we find four coats of arms: one of the Grand Master of the order during whose time it was built: Fra Nikol Cottoner, that of the Governor of Gozo: Fra Ludovico Xedler y Gomez, the coat of arms of Gozo and the coat of arms of the Commander Fra Jean Jacques de Verdelin. The tower, with two floors, a loophole and a bridge leading to the gate that could be raised for security, was built at a height of 120 meters above sea level, something that gave it an advantage because it overlooks a good part of the coast.

In 1671 we find that the tower was well equipped with everything necessary, including weapons and ammunition. It had its own castellan as well as an adjutant to help it. During the day it would have been sufficient for only one of them to stay there, but at night, due to the danger of the robbers, it was necessary for both of them to be there. But from its beginnings the tower was exposed to various elements such as wind and salt spray. All this would cause damage to its stone. Towards 1705, the University had already felt the need to repair the tower from the damages it had. One of the two cannons that this tower had is today located in the Gozo Citadel and the other had been lost.

Towards the end of the Knights of St. John’s rule over Malta, the tower performed a feat that became known throughout the Maltese islands. On 13 June 1798, the armies of General Napoleon Bonaparte appeared on the coast of Nadur to invade Gozo. As soon as the Nadurans realised what was coming, they rushed towards the Sopu Tower and the Ramla l-Ħamra Battery and opened heavy fire on the French. It was the only resistance the French encountered in their occupation of the island. But it was in vain; as soon as they saw the French advancing, the Nadurans fled in a hurry. The French first went up to Nadur, passed through the Parish Church, stole some objects from it and continued on towards the Chambray Fortress.

Then during the British era it continued to be used by the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment and we find that in 1871 it needed some repairs again. It lasted in use until 1873, when the RMFA ceased to be responsible for the coast guard. The Tower remained abandoned. During the Second World War it was reported that some bombs were dropped around it, although it was never hit directly.

In 2006, the Nadur Local Council together with Din l-Art Ħelwa restored this tower, which had suffered considerable damage, and it was re-inaugurated on 29 August of the same year..

Photo: Sopu Tower at the inauguration of the restoration in 2006.estawr fi 2006.

Writing and research: Daniel Meilak B.A. (Hons)
Photos and Videos: Darren Cassar