Sliema Point Battery
Sliema Point Battery | |
---|---|
Il-Fortizza ta' Tas-Sliema | |
Sliema, Malta | |
Coordinates | 35°54′50.9″N 14°30′25.7″E / 35.914139°N 14.507139°E |
Type | Artillery battery |
Site information | |
Controlled by | Fortizza Bar & Restaurant |
Open to the public | Yes (as a restaurant) |
Condition | Intact |
Website | http://fortizzamalta.com/ |
Site history | |
Built | 1872-1876 |
Built by | British Empire |
Materials | Limestone |
Sliema Point Battery (
The battery is located at Tower Road, one of Malta's most popular seaside promenades, which was named after the 17th century Saint Julian's Tower. Like Sliema Point Battery, this tower is now also used as a restaurant.
History
The construction of Sliema Point Battery started in 1872 by the British, as part of a program of improvements to Malta's fortifications recommended in Colonel Jervois' Report of 1866 titled "Memorandum with reference to the improvements to the defences of Malta and Gibraltar, rendered necessary by the introduction of Iron Plated Ships and powerful rifled guns".[1]
The battery, which was completed in 1876, has many Gothic Revival architectural features, such as the main gate. Construction cost a total of £12,000.
The battery was armed with two
From around 1912, the Sliema Aquatic Sports Club began to meet near the battery. eventually, a water polo venue was built near the battery, and it is still used by the Sliema Aquatic Sports Club to this day.[4]
Present day
The fort is now used as a restaurant known as Fortizza Bar and Restaurant and commonly called Il-Fortizza. It came under new management in 2009.[5]
References
- ^ Formosa, Christian. "Colonel Jervois Report of 1866". Malta Military. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
- ISBN 0313323291.
- ^ "Sliema Tourist Attractions". PlanetWare. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
- ^ "History". sliema-asc.org.mt. Sliema Aquatic Sports Club. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
- ^ "About us". fortizzamalta.com. Fortizza Bar & Restaurant. Retrieved 11 January 2015.