Qalet Marku Redoubt

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]

Qalet Marku Redoubt
Ridott ta' Qalet Marku
Naxxar, Malta
View of the coast road from Qalet Marku peninsula, with the site of the redoubt on the left.
Coordinates35°56′35.1″N 14°27′3.1″E
TypeRedoubt
Site information
OwnerGovernment of Malta
ConditionRemains buried under modern road
Site history
Built1715–1716
Built byOrder of Saint John
MaterialsLimestone
FateDemolished

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.[3]

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-Ċagħaq–Salina 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]

References
  1. Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd. 1: 170.
  2. "Lost landmarks of Malta: Batteria D'Orbeau - Qalet Marku, Baħar iċ-Ċaghaq". The Malta Independent. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  3. Spiteri, Stephen C. (10 April 2010). "18th Century Hospitaller Coastal Batteries". MilitaryArchitecture.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  4. Said, E. (October 2013). "Rediscovering Batteria D'Orbeau". Vigilo. Din l-Art Helwa (44): 36.
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