Elminiech Battery
Elminiech Battery (Maltese: Batterija t'Elminiech, corrupted into Batterija ta' Mnieħ), also known as Figuella Battery (Maltese: Batterija ta' Figuella), San Raimondo Battery (Maltese: Batterija ta' San Raimond)[1] or Oitelboura Battery,[2] was an artillery battery in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John in 1715–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.[3]
Elminiech Battery | |
---|---|
Batterija t'Elminiech | |
Birżebbuġa, Malta | |
Coordinates | 35°49′4.4″N 14°31′57.8″E |
Type | Artillery battery |
Site history | |
Built | 1715–1716 |
Built by | Order of Saint John |
Materials | Limestone |
Fate | Demolished |
Elminiech Battery was part of a chain of fortifications that defended Marsaxlokk Bay, which also included six other batteries, the large Saint Lucian Tower, two smaller De Redin towers, four redoubts and three entrenchments.[4] The nearest fortifications to Elminiech Battery were the Birżebbuġa Entrenchments to the northwest and Fresnoy Redoubt to the east. Construction of the battery cost 1451 scudi.[5]
The battery was demolished, and its site is now occupied by part of the Malta Freeport.[6]
References
- "Birżebbuġa". duluri.wordpress.com (in Maltese). Archived from the original on 14 December 2015.
- Farrugia Randon, Stanley (2015). Heritage Saved – Din l-Art Ħelwa – 1965–2015. Luqa: Miller Distributors Ltd. p. 119. ISBN 9789995752132.
- Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd. 1: 170.
- "Vendôme Tower" (PDF). Mare Nostrum. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
- Spiteri, Stephen C. (18 October 2010). "St. Thomas Tower and Battery". MilitaryArchitecture.com. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
- "About Birzebbuga". birzebbuga.com. Retrieved 28 June 2015.