Exploring the ruins of Torre Selmun at Għajn Ħadid

Cesare Vassallo was a lawyer who spent a few weeks residing in Selmun Palace in September 1856. During his stay, he kept a diary in which he documents important observations regarding Selmun and its surroundings. Despite the many changes that have occurred at Selmun since Vassallo’s stay, the ‘profonda solitudine’ that the Għajn Ħadid tower and its surroundings offer, remains timeless.

Graphic simulation of Għajn Ħadid tower and its surrounding structures. Photo: Courtesy of Stephen C Spiteri

Għajn Ħadid’s ‘profonda solitudine’ is mainly due to its remoteness from the nearby hamlet of Selmun and the village of Mellieħa. Unfortunately, in the past, the defenceless Mġiebaħ Bay and Għajn Ħadid inlet were frequent targets of corsair galleys plying the local waters in search of easy prey. Such inlets served as suitable landing places for their razzias. One of the earliest accounts of such an encounter can be found in an official edict, published on May 23, 1473. In this edict, the Capitano della Verga relieved two local guards (Saycu Xerri and Agustinu Xebirras) of further militia guard duties, to reward them for their bravery during a violent encounter with Moorish corsairs. These...