Torri Ta' Lanzun

Torri ta’ Lanzun, originally a 15^th century farmhouse, obtained its name by virtue of one of its 17^th century residents - Wenzu Lanzun from Birgu [Città Vittoriosa] who occupied the habitation during the 1676 plague epidemic. Structural modifications made during 1713 enlarged and strengthened the edifice transforming it into a fortified building allowing it to serve as a haven for local inhabitants during pirate attacks. It also occasionally served as a hunting station for the Grandmaster of the Order of St John. During World War II, it was used as an observation post for advancing enemy places and was severely damaged during enemy action. It was formally bought by Lt.Col. Robert Gayre of Gayre and Nigg in 1972 who handed it to the Order of St. Lazarus. On the 12^th May 1973, the 47^th Grandmaster of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem H.R.H. Don Francisco de Borbón y de Borbón formally inaugurated Torri ta’ Lanzun (Castello Lanzun) in Malta as the official headquarters of the Order.