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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as the Qbajjar Battery, it was built between 1715 and 1716 during the rule of Grand Master Ramon Perell\u00f3s y Roccaful (1697\u20131720). The construction was carried out under the direction of military engineers Jacques de Camus d\u2019Arginy and Bernard de Fontet. The Qbajjar Battery is one of only two surviving batteries in Gozo; the other is Saint Anthony\u2019s Battery in Qala. Located not far from Ras ir-Reqqa, it is the northernmost fortification in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The structure retained its original layout until the late 1970s, when it was converted into a discotheque and snack bar known as Rook<\/em>. 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 \u0126elwa<\/em>. In 2013, the \u017bebbu\u0121 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 \u0126elwa<\/em> for restoration and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research: Mario Cassar
Copyright: So\u010bjeta\u2019 Banda Santa Marija and \u017bebbu\u0121 Gozo Local Council
Photo credits: Max Saliba<\/p>\n\n\n