Della Grazie Battery, Artillery battery in Xgħajra, Malta.
Della Grazie Battery is a coastal fortification with a polygonal structure and irregular hexagonal design located in Xgħajra. The fort includes two defensive caponiers and is surrounded by ditches that formed part of the original defensive system.
The battery was built between 1888 and 1893 as part of British fortification efforts for Malta. During World War II it was converted into a coastal defense searchlight battery with additional structures added for this new purpose.
The site takes its name from the former Santa Maria delle Grazie Tower that once stood here before being demolished for military purposes. This connection to past religious landmarks shapes how locals think about the location.
The site currently serves as the headquarters for the Xgħajra Scout Group and functions as the town hall for the local community. Visitors should note that it remains an active municipal facility, so access and viewing times may be limited.
The battery was originally equipped with two 6-inch and two 10-inch guns mounted on disappearing mechanisms, an advanced weapon technology for its time. These disappearing mount systems were particularly common in Victorian-era military architecture.
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