Briconet Redoubt
| Briconet Redoubt | |
|---|---|
Ridott ta' Briconet | |
| Marsaskala, Malta | |
 View of Briconet Redoubt | |
 Map of Briconet Redoubt | |
| Type | Redoubt |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of Malta |
| Controlled by | Police Department Scout Association of Malta |
| Open to the public | No |
| Condition | Intact |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1715–1716 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | Żejtun Regiment |
Briconet Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Briconet), also known as Marsaskala Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Marsaskala), is a redoubt in Marsaskala, Malta. It was built in 1715–1716 by the Order of Saint John as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands. Until recently, the redoubt was used as a police station.
History
Briconet Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of the first building programme of coastal batteries and redoubts in Malta. It formed part of the defences of Marsaskala Bay, which also included the large St. Thomas Tower and Battery and the now-demolished Żonqor Tower.
Briconet Redoubt's structure is typical of most other coastal redoubts built in Malta. It consists of a pentagonal platform having short flanks, and a rectangular blockhouse sealing off the gorge. Unlike other redoubts, the gorge and flanks have high boundary walls pierced by musketry loopholes. These were built to defend the redoubt from a landward attack, since it is overlooked by high ground.[1]
Construction of the redoubt cost 768 scudi. These were paid by the knight Giovanni Battista Briconet, and the redoubt was named in his honour. The redoubt was initially garrisoned by militia from Żejtun.[2]
Present day
Today, Briconet Redoubt is still intact and in good condition, being one of the best preserved redoubts in Malta.[2] A few modern modifications have been made, such as the opening of a small doorway on one of its faces to enable access from the modern road. However, the redoubt is surrounded by modern buildings, including the parish church.[3] These have completely blocked its relation with the sea.
Until recently, the redoubt was used as the Marsaskala Police Station.[4]
References
- ^ "Marsascala police station". anecdotesfrommalta.blogspot.com. 12 May 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Fortifications". Marsaskala Local Council. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
- ^ "Marsaskala". mydestination.com. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
- ^ Chetcui, Joe (29 October 2006). "The Malta Independent Online". The Malta Independent. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
External links
