Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt

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.

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt
Ridott ta' Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Naxxar, Malta
View of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt from the coast
Map of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt
Coordinates35°56′23.5″N 14°27′20.9″E
TypeRedoubt
Site information
OwnerGovernment of Malta
Controlled byPrivate tenant
Open to
the public		Yes (as a bar/restaurant)
ConditionIntact
Site history
Built1715–1716
Built byOrder of Saint John
MaterialsLimestone

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]

  • The redoubt as viewed from the landward side. The white building is the blockhouse.
    The redoubt as viewed from the landward side. The white building is the blockhouse.
  • Interior of the redoubt
    Interior of the redoubt

References
  1. Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd. 1: 170.
  2. "Environment Protection Directorate (MEPA) Report on EIA – Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)". MEPA. July 2012. p. 21. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  3. "Madliena Entrenchment" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 28 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  4. "Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 28 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  5. Debono, James (18 June 2014). "MEPA clamps down on restaurant in 18th century fort". The Malta Independent. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  6. Debono, James (18 June 2014). MEPA clamps down on restaurant in 18th century fort. Malta Today. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
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