Tal-Bir Redoubt

Tal-Bir Redoubt
Ridott tal-Bir
Mellieħa, Malta
Ruins of Tal-Bir Redoubt
Map of the remains of Tal-Bir Redoubt
Coordinates	35°59′8.9″N 14°20′47.4″E
Type	Redoubt
Site information
Owner	Government of Malta
Condition	Ruins
Site history
Built	1715–1716
Built by	Order of Saint John
Materials	Limestone

Tal-Bir Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott tal-Bir), also known as Wied Musa Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Wied Musa),[1] is a redoubt in the limits of Mellieħa, 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. Today, the redoubt lies in ruins.

History

Tal-Bir Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of the first building programme of coastal fortifications in Malta. It was part of a chain of fortifications that defended the northern coast of Malta, which also included Aħrax Tower, several batteries, redoubts and entrenchments. The nearest fortifications to Tal-Bir Redoubt are Wied Musa Battery to the west and Qortin Redoubt to the east.

The redoubt originally consisted of a pentagonal platform with a low parapet. A rectangular blockhouse was located at the centre of its gorge. It was not armed with any artillery.

Construction of Tal-Bir Redoubt cost around 1213.8.4.3 scudi.[2]

Present day

Today, the redoubt is almost completely destroyed.[3] Only remains of the pentagonal platform and part of its counterscarp still exist.[2]

References

1. Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. 1. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd: 170.
2. Debono, Charles. "Fortifications - Tal-Bir Redoubt - L-Ahrax". Mellieha.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
3. Said, Edward (October 2009). "More Heritage Threatened" (PDF). The Architect. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 June 2015.

External links

• National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands