08/03/2023
‘Heritage Restored’ - Free talks at St Anthony’s Battery, Ras il-Qala,
SUNDAY FROM 13:00-16:00 Event by Din L-Art Helwa - Ghawdex
Visitors are invited to discover the unique history of an 18th century knights-era coastal battery, which was built in 1732 at a strategic position to best defend the sea channel between Gozo and Comino. The construction was at the expense of Grand Master Antonio
Manoel de Vilhena. This military site is also known locally as 'Batterija ta' Sant' Antin' and ‘It-Trunċiera tal-Qala'.
This free event will provide visitors with the perfect opportunity to see inside the restored heritage site on Sunday 12th March 2023 between 1.00pm - 4.00pm. Dr. Stanley Farrugia Randon will also be giving two free talks looking at the building’s fascinating architecture, restoration and unique history at 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
The battery today still retains many of its original architectural and defensive features and is situated in a remote coastal setting known as Ras il-Qala. Dedicated to St. Anthony in honour of the Grand Master's patron Saint, it was designed by Philippe de Vendome and others, but it is likely that its final design and construction was by Charles Francois Mondion, who was the resident engineer of the Order between 1715 and 1733.It had two 24-pounder cannon and was one of the largest coastal batteries constructed locally by the Order of St .John.
In 2007 the battery was entrusted to Din l-Art Ħelwa for restoration in conjunction with Qala Local Council and with financial support from MEPA. The task to restore the site was a huge challenge as access across cliff garrigue and fields was very difficult. It also involved replacing the missing coat-of-arms of Grand Master Vilhena that had once adorned the entrance to the building.
Dr. Stanley Farrugia Randon is a medical doctor who has been an active committee member of Din l-Art Ħelwa for the past 30 years, during which time he has served as president of the Youth Section and been involved with numerous restoration projects. He was previously the volunteer warden of Wignacourt Tower in St Paul’s Bay and has published numerous articles and books on topics related to health, the environment and heritage sites of the Maltese Islands.
Taking care of Qala’s heritage and nature:
Also on the day, ‘Keep Qala Clean’ and ‘Nadur Nadif’, two Gozo-based, voluntary clean up groups, involving local residents, are teaming up to tidy along Triq il-Forti Sant Anton, the main road on the outskirts of Qala leading down to the coastal battery site. If you would like to volunteer to help on the day, the clean-up session will begin at 1.00pm. Gloves and bags will be provided. For more details and to find out how to get involved visit the Nadur Nadif page https://www.facebook.com/nadurnadif or https://m.facebook.com/.../Keep-Qala-Clean/100081468375772/
This is meeting spot for clean up: https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!7e2!8m2...
Event information for visitors:
Please bring plenty of drinking water, a hat and sun block/ waterproof clothing. We suggest wearing sturdy footwear with a good grip and ankle support.
The easiest way to the battery, is to walk down Triq-il Forti Sant Anton, ending close to the main quarry entrance, from where you will need to then continue on foot for 10-15 minutes along a rough track. Please note: the quarry site is closed on Sundays.
The walk using this road is about 1.7km and will take roughly 30 – 40 minutes one way. Temporary event signage will be in place to guide visitors to the battery site.
If you are coming by car, please kindly park your vehicles safely and responsibly on the road. Do not block gates or tracks leading to and from fields or private land.
Please do keep the environment in mind and attempt to car share, cycle, walk or use the Malta Public Transport bus route 303, which stops in Qala Main Square (Guzepp / Qala stops). https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route/303 for Sunday timings and route information.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There are no public toilet facilities at the tower or in the nearby park. The battery is close to a quarry site - please take extra care
Below you will find the timetables from each bus stop for the route you have selected. For most routes, there are timetables in each direction below each other.
