Wignacourt Aqueduct Tower- Turretta ta’ San Ġużepp, Santa Venera

Restoration and Conservation Works at Wignacourt Aqueduct Tower, Santa Venera.      

The Wignacourt Aqueduct Tower, also known as Turretta ta’ San Ġużepp in Santa Venera, was originally constructed in the early 17th century as part of the Wignacourt aqueduct project (1610–1614) commissioned by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt,1 its design echoes the De Redin coastal watch towers and served as an inspection point for the aqueduct system supplying Valletta with fresh water.2  The tower marks a pivotal junction where the aqueduct’s visible stone arches transition to subterranean canals towards Valletta.

Built from globigerina limestone, the structure features two main floors above a sturdy base with each level having distinctive roofing. The ground floor comprises a solid structure with a narrow passage and spiral staircase while the first floor contains a corridor with musketry holes for strategic viewing. The second-floor houses water chambers, which historically channelled water from the aqueduct arches into underground canals.

 

Wignacourt Aqueduct Tower, Santa Venera, before, and after, restoration.

The Restoration Works

The roof was dismantled and reinstated in 2022, while the tower was fully restored in 2023. The interventions carried out were primarily focused on the restoration of the facades, the re-paving and re-plastering of the existing passage at the ground floor and the replacement of unserviceable timber apertures. Deteriorated pointing, cement repairs, plaster, and mortar were removed; stone was cleaned with brushes and water. Persistent stains were treated with poultice, and biological growth was addressed with the application of biocide. Masonry was repointed using lime-based mortar and repaired with compatible materials. Stone replacement was kept to a minimum.  All the new apertures were designed and manufactured as a replica of the original apertures using traditional methods and colours, and finished with oil-based paint.

 

  1. “The Water Supply of the Maltese Islands”. Archivum Melitense. VII (1). Malta Historical and Scientific Society: 6–7. 1922
  2. Spiteri, Stephen C. (2013). “In Defence of the Coast (I) – The Bastioned Towers”. Arx – International Journal of Military Architecture and Fortification (3): 42, 79