Tal-Bir Redoubt
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.
| 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 |
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 lies in ruins and is almost completely destroyed.[3] Only remains of the pentagonal platform and part of its counterscarp still exist.[2]
References
- Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd. 1: 170.
- Debono, Charles. "Fortifications - Tal-Bir Redoubt - L-Ahrax". Mellieha.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
- Said, Edward (October 2009). "More Heritage Threatened" (PDF). The Architect. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 June 2015.
