The Count of Monte Cristo
St Mary's Tower
In Maltese: Torri ta' Santa Marija
St Mary's Tower, the 1618 Knights' watchtower on Comino, played the exterior of the Château d'If prison in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), starring Jim Caviezel.
What was filmed at St Mary's Tower?
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
The tower is the exterior of the Château d'If island prison where Edmond Dantès is held; the sea cave below served as its sea entrance. It played Château d'If.
About St Mary's Tower
St Mary's Tower is the large square watchtower on the cliffs of Comino, built in 1618 under Grand Master Wignacourt to guard the channel between Malta and Gozo. Over the centuries it served as a garrison, a prison during the French blockade and later a lookout post; it was restored in 2002–2004 and is cared for by the heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa. In The Count of Monte Cristo, the tower is the exterior of the Château d'If, the island prison where Edmond Dantès (Jim Caviezel) is locked away for years, with the sea cave below used as the prison's dramatic sea entrance. From the tower you look across to Gozo and Malta. It's about a 20–30 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon along dirt tracks, so bring water and sun protection.
Best time to go
Spring or autumn mornings, when the walk is cooler; check it's an opening day.
Questions people ask
Where was the Château d'If filmed in The Count of Monte Cristo?+
St Mary's Tower on the island of Comino played the prison's exterior.
Can you go inside St Mary's Tower on Comino?+
Yes, from April to October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30–15:00, and usually when the flag is flying.
Sources
- Saint Mary's Tower — Wikipedia
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002 film) — Wikipedia
- The Count of Monte Cristo filming locations — Scene on Gozo
- Opening times for Dwejra and Comino towers — Din l-Art Ħelwa
Exact spot not yet checked on site — we visit every location before launch.