Fort Verdala, Military fort in Bormla, Malta
Fort Verdala is a military fortification in Bormla built on the Santa Margherita Lines, incorporating multiple bastion structures within its layout. The complex displays clear defensive elements that reveal how the site was carefully designed for strategic protection.
The British built the fort between 1852 and 1856 as part of their coastal defense strategy against potential threats. During World War I, it shifted to serve as a detention facility for enemy combatants captured in the region.
The fort served the military for decades and then transformed into a school, shaping the daily lives and memories of people in Bormla. The shift from defense to education reflects how the community adapted the space to new needs over time.
The site holds protected heritage status and requires special permission to visit, as it is subject to strict preservation regulations. Prospective visitors should contact local authorities in advance to arrange access.
The fort served as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War I, holding high-ranking German officers and enlisted men. This lesser-known wartime role reveals how the structure adapted to detention purposes beyond its original military design.
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