Spinola Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Spinola), also known as Birżebbuġa Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Birżebbuġa), was a tour-reduit 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.[1] It has been demolished.
| Spinola Redoubt | |
|---|---|
Ridott ta' Spinola | |
| Birżebbuġa, Malta | |
| Coordinates | 35°49′31.7″N 14°31′43.2″E / 35.825472°N 14.528667°E |
| Type | Tour-Reduit |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1715–1716 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Fate | Demolished |
History
editSpinola Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of a chain of fortifications that defended Marsaxlokk Bay, which also included three other redoubts, the large Saint Lucian Tower, two smaller De Redin towers, seven batteries and three entrenchments.[2] The nearest fortifications to Spinola Redoubt were Pinto Battery to the northeast and Birżebbuġa Entrenchments to the south.
Spinola Redoubt was one of four tour-reduits built in Malta, with the other three being Fresnoy Redoubt, Vendôme Tower and Marsalforn Tower. It had a square shape, similar to the surviving Vendôme Tower.[3]
The redoubt has been demolished and its site is now a public garden.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. 1. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd: 170.
- ^ "Vendôme Tower" (PDF). Mare Nostrum. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
- ^ Spiteri, Stephen C. (10 April 2010). "18th Century Hospitaller Coastal Batteries". MilitaryArchitecture.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
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