Great architecture is where you find it

From a distance it looked like a small observatory. Close up the expressionist spiral turned out to be a small Marian shrine doubling as a lookout. As with so often with vernacular architecture it's been all but impossible to find out much about when it was built or whether its construction was inspired by tragedy or miraculous delivery. But there it is, down at the back of the car park near the Gozo Island ferry terminal in Malta, a small architectural delight channelling Erich Mendelsohn and his amazing Einstein Tower. It’s a bit unkempt (although the statue of Mary, like all the others in Malta, was spick and span) but still a total knockout and a great piece of architectural sculpture. (click on image to enlarge)