Belvedere Tower in Lija

The Belvedere Tower was designed by the Maltese architect Giuseppe Bonavia.
Bonavia is the same architect responsible for the Buttigieg and Francia Palace (or Palazzo Ferreria as it is better known) found at the entrance of Valletta.
In 1857 the Marquis Depiro and his family, then the owners of Villa Gourigon, commissioned Bonavia to construct this folly in the middle of the orange groves
and gardens. The Belvedere was used as a place of relaxation by the residents and
their guests.
The Lija Belvedere, or It-Torri ta’ Hal-Lija as it is also known formed part of the extensive gardens of Villa Gourigon prior to the opening of Transfiguration Avenue
in the 1950s. The Belvedere has retained its original position and has become a

with Villa Gourigon.
This beautiful landmark piece of architecture has very recently been restored, and once again we can see its intricate decorative craftsmanship. It today serves as a traffic Island in Transfiguration Avenue leading to the parish church and forms part of the heritage of Lija.

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