Initially, it was planned that semaphore stations would be established on the bell towers and domes of the island's churches, but the religious authorities rejected the proposal.

Due to this, in 1848 new semaphore towers were constructed at Għaxaq and Għargħur on the main island of Malta, and another was built at Ta' Kenuna in Nadur, Gozo.

[2] The Għaxaq Semaphore Tower was built at the highest point in the town, and its roof has views of Birżebbuġa, Marsaxlokk and Mdina.

[2] In August 2011, the tower was transferred to the Għaxaq Local Council at a nominal rent of €250 per year.

The signalling equipment, consisting of a wooden pole with three movable arms, was located on the tower's roof.