Fortifications of Birgu
The fortifications of Birgu (Maltese: Is-Swar tal-Birgu) are a series of defensive walls and other fortifications which surround the city of Birgu, Malta. The first fortification to be built was Fort Saint Angelo in the Middle Ages, and the majority of the fortifications were built between the 16th and 18th centuries by the Order of Saint John. Most of the fortifications remain largely intact today.
| Fortifications of Birgu | |
|---|---|
Is-Swar tal-Birgu | |
| Birgu, Malta | |
St. John Bastion and the Advanced Gate | |
Map of Birgu's fortifications | |
Birgu | |
| Coordinates | 35°53′10″N 14°31′22.8″E |
| Type | City wall |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of Malta |
| Condition | Mostly intact |
| Site history | |
| Built | c. 13th century–1691 (Fort St. Angelo) 1530s–18th century (rest of city walls) |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Battles/wars | Attack of 1551 Great Siege of Malta (1565) Siege of Malta (1798–1800) |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders | Jean de Valette (1565) |
Birgu's fortifications have been on Malta's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998, as part of the Knights' Fortifications around the Harbours of Malta. They are also listed as monuments in Birgu as part the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands (NICPMI).
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