The Qbajjar Battery

The battery located on the promontory between Qbajjar and Xwejni is the last in a chain of fortifications built in the early eighteenth century around Marsalforn Bay to prevent enemy landings in the area. The construction of these coastal towers made Gozo safer, especially since the island had previously been undefended – a factor that greatly contributed to the Siege of Gozo (1551).

Known as the Qbajjar Battery, it was built between 1715 and 1716 during the rule of Grand Master Ramon Perellós y Roccaful (1697–1720). The construction was carried out under the direction of military engineers Jacques de Camus d’Arginy and Bernard de Fontet. The Qbajjar Battery is one of only two surviving batteries in Gozo; the other is Saint Anthony’s Battery in Qala. Located not far from Ras ir-Reqqa, it is the northernmost fortification in Malta.

The battery consists of a semi-circular gun platform enclosed by a parapet with six embrasures. At the front are two symmetrical structures connected by a wall, each featuring narrow openings intended for firing muskets in the event of a land attack. Originally, the battery had a ramp leading to the entrance. The seaward side is protected by a small ditch, surrounded by salt pans.

Initially, the battery was armed with six cannons, but by 1770 its armament had been reduced to four. These included 276 roundshot and 60 grapeshot. During World War II, the battery served as Observation Post No. 5.

The structure retained its original layout until the late 1970s, when it was converted into a discotheque and snack bar known as Rook. During this period, major alterations were made: structures were built on the gun platform, the entrance was enlarged, and the original ramp was replaced with stairs. The building remained abandoned for a long time and fell into a dilapidated state, suffering repeated vandalism. In 2005, it was proposed that the battery be entrusted to the non-governmental organization Din l-Art Ħelwa. In 2013, the Żebbuġ Local Council began exploring possibilities for its restoration and return to the community. In 2026, the Maltese government officially handed the battery over to Din l-Art Ħelwa for restoration and management.

Research: Mario Cassar
Copyright: Soċjeta’ Banda Santa Marija and Żebbuġ Gozo Local Council
Photo credits: Max Saliba

About the author of the research of the heritage trail

Mario Cassar was born in Żebbuġ in 1975. He is an artist, educator, designer and collector. He graduated in art history, the history of mediterranean civilization, the maltese language and in artistic pedagogy at masters level at the University of Malta. He has been leading the visual arts section of Sir M. A. Refalo Sixth Form (Gozo) since 1997. He lectured on several topics in various faculties and centres of the University of Malta, including the philosophy of art, contemporary design and the appreciation of art and antiques. He is a founding member of the Banda Santa Marija Philharmonic Society and ex-deputy mayor of Żebbuġ. He is also the curator of Riħ id Deheb Historical House and Natural Grotto. He is married to Pauline and has two children.

Dwar l-awtur tar-riċerka tal-Heritage Trail

Mario Cassar twieled iż-Żebbuġ fl-1975. Huwa artist, edukatur, disinjatur u kollezzjonist. Huwa gradwat fl-istorja tal-arti, fil-Malti u fil-pedagoġija artistika f’livell ta’ Masters ġewwa l-Universita’ ta’ Malta. Ilu jmexxi s-sezzjoni tal-arti viżiva ta’ Sir M. A. Refalo Sixth Form mill-1997, fejn hu lettur. Għallem f’diversi fakultajiet u ċentri tal-Universita’ ta’ Malta, fejn fost l-oħrajn għallem il-filosofija tal-arti, id-disinn kontemporanju u l-apprezzament tal-arti u tal-antikita’. Huwa membru fundatur tas-Soċjeta’ Filarmonika Banda Santa Marija u ex-viċi sindku taż-Żebbuġ. Huwa wkoll il-kuratur tad-dar storika Riħ id-Deheb. Huwa miżżewweġ lil Pauline u għandu żewġt itfal.

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