Santa Maria delle Grazie Tower was built above the shore to the east of Grand Harbour, close to the present day town of Xgħajra, on or near the site of a medieval watch post.

[4] The exact shape of the tower is unknown, as no detailed plans, paintings or photographs of it are known.

However, it is shown in a 1761 map as having four corner bastions and a flight of steps leading to the main entrance, so its overall design was possibly similar to the towers of St. Paul's Bay, St. Lucian and St. Mary, although on a smaller scale.

[5] In 1799, during the French blockade, San Rocco Redoubt was built in the vicinity of the tower to provide cover in the case British troops had to retreat from Malta.

A heraldic representation of a Wignacourt tower is also featured on the flag and coat of arms of Xgħajra.