Saint George Redoubt

Saint George Redoubt (Ridott ta' San Ġorġ) is a redoubt in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built in 1714–1716 by the Order of Saint John as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands. Today, the redoubt still exists and is in good condition.

History


Saint George Redoubt was built in 1714–1716 as part of the first building programme of coastal batteries in Malta. It was 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.

The redoubt's was built on the site of a cemetry. It incorporated the Chapel of St. George, which had been built in 1683 on the site of an earlier chapel. Apart from being the only Hospitaller redoubt incorporating a church, St. George Redoubt is also unusual since it has a semi-circular shape, while most redoubts were pentagonal. The semi-circular platform is ringed by a low parapet. The walls linking the redoubt to the church are pierced by musketry loopholes, while the doorway had a ditch and a drawbridge.

Sometime after 1741, two fougasses were excavated behind the redoubt. They are now located within private houses.

Present day
Today, the chapel and redoubt are managed by the Missionary Society of Saint Paul. They are both in good condition.