Qalet Marku Redoubt Explained

Qalet Marku Redoubt
Native Name:Ridott ta' Qalet Marku
Location:Naxxar, Malta
Type:Redoubt
Coordinates:35.9431°N 14.4509°W
Ownership:Government of Malta
Built:1715–1716
Builder:Order of Saint John
Materials:Limestone
Fate:Demolished
Condition:Remains buried under modern road

Qalet Marku Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Qalet Marku) was a redoubt in the 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] It was demolished to make way for the coast road, but its remains are possibly still buried under the road.[2]

History

Qalet Marku Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of the first building programme of redoubts in Malta. The nearest fortifications to the redoubt were Għallis Battery to the northwest and Qalet Marku Battery to the east. Both of these batteries are now largely destroyed, but some remains still survive.

The redoubt originally consisted of a pentagonal platform with a low parapet. A rectangular blockhouse was located at the centre of its gorge.[3]

The redoubt was demolished to make way for the Baħar iċ-ĊagħaqSalina coast road.[2] Its remains are probably still buried under the surface of the road. Part of the structure can still be seen protruding from beneath the road, although it is encased in concrete.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Zammit. Vincent. The Order's 18th Century Fortifications. Civilization. 1984. 1. 170. PEG Ltd. Ħamrun.
  2. News: Lost landmarks of Malta: Batteria D'Orbeau - Qalet Marku, Baħar iċ-Ċaghaq. 26 June 2015. The Malta Independent. 23 February 2014.
  3. Web site: Spiteri. Stephen C.. 18th Century Hospitaller Coastal Batteries. MilitaryArchitecture.com. 6 December 2015. 10 April 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20151108112214/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Fortifications/18th-century-hospitaller-coastal-batteries.html . 8 November 2015.
  4. Vigilo. Said. E.. October 2013. Rediscovering Batteria D'Orbeau. 44. Din l-Art Helwa. 36.