Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt explained

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt
Native Name:Ridott ta' Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Location:Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Naxxar, Malta
Map:Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt map.png
Image Mapsize:300px
Type:Redoubt
Coordinates:35.9399°N 14.4558°W
Ownership:Government of Malta
Controlledby:Private tenant
Open To Public:Yes (as a bar/restaurant)
Built:1715–1716
Builder:Order of Saint John
Materials:Limestone
Condition:Intact

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq) is a redoubt in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, limits of Naxxar, Malta. It was built in 1715–1716 by the Order of Saint John as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.[1] Today, the redoubt still exists and is in relatively good condition.

It is also known as Vendôme Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Vendôme) or Madliena Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott tal-Madliena).[2]

History

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of the first building programme of redoubts in Malta. The nearest fortifications to the redoubt were Qalet Marku Battery to the northwest (now demolished) and Madliena Tower to the east. The redoubt was originally linked to the latter tower by an entrenchment, but very little remains of this have survived.[3]

The redoubt consists of a pentagonal platform with short flanks and a low parapet, with a rectangular blockhouse located at the centre of its gorge. The blockhouse is divided into two rooms, with the larger room containing the main entrance.

In World War II, a defensive position was built on the salient of the redoubt.[4]

Present day

Today, the redoubt is still in relatively good condition. It is leased to a private tenant and is used as a bar and restaurant named Las Palmas.[5] [6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Zammit. Vincent. The Order's 18th Century Fortifications. Civilization. 1984. 1. 170. PEG Ltd. Ħamrun.
  2. Web site: Environment Protection Directorate (MEPA) Report on EIA – Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) . MEPA . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113716/http://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=8600 . 4 March 2016 . 21 . July 2012 . dead .
  3. Web site: Madliena Entrenchment. National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 22 August 2015. 28 June 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20151225025718/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1423.pdf. 25 December 2015.
  4. Web site: Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt . National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands . 22 August 2015 . 28 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160124153005/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1403.pdf . 24 January 2016 .
  5. News: Debono. James. MEPA clamps down on restaurant in 18th century fort. 27 June 2015. The Malta Independent. 18 June 2014.
  6. Debono, James (18 June 2014). MEPA clamps down on restaurant in 18th century fort. Malta Today. Retrieved 20 April 2016.