Following an incredible €3.39 million restoration project backed by EU funds, this historic tower has been brought to life as a fully interactive museum, telling gripping stories of pirates, corsairs, and naval clashes that once shook the Mediterranean. You’ll find multi-sensory installations, digital displays, and eye-catching projections that dive deep into Malta’s wilder maritime past.

Originally built in 1614 by the Knights of St John, St Thomas Tower was part of Malta’s coastal defence network. Its job? To keep enemy ships at bay and protect nearby towns like Żejtun. As the largest of the Wignacourt towers, it still commands breathtaking views over Marsascala Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Now, centuries after its cannons fell silent, the tower is welcoming a new wave of visitors, curious travellers, history lovers, families, and school groups, all keen to discover the island’s role in the age of piracy.

The museum is the first in Malta focused entirely on corsairs and pirates, those half-feared, half-celebrated figures who once sailed these waters. Among the tales brought to life is the dramatic recapture of the tower during the French blockade in 1798, just one of many episodes showing how fiercely this island defended itself.

The project involved detailed structural repairs, clever tech installations like smart climate control, and the restoration of two ancient reservoirs now used to collect rainwater. Accessibility improvements mean the tower is easier to explore than ever, without losing its original charm.

In the words of Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, the tower has become a year-round cultural attraction, one that adds depth to Marsascala’s growing appeal.

The Corsair and Piracy Museum is open daily between 10am and 4:30pm. Guided tours, family-friendly activities, and special events are held regularly.

Don’t miss this one, it’s Malta with a touch of adventure!

Plan your visit here!