Santa Margherita Lines, Defensive fortification in Bormla, Malta
Santa Margherita Lines is a fortified defensive structure built across high ground with solid stone walls and several bastions protecting the harbor. The construction features six curtain walls arranged systematically to secure the coastal perimeter.
These fortifications were designed starting in 1638 by Cardinal Fra Vincenzo Maculano da Firenzuola under Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris to defend against Ottoman raids. They became part of the broader defensive strategy protecting the entire coastline.
The fortification was built to combine military defense with civilian refuge, reflecting how the Knights organized protection for the entire harbor community during emergencies. Walking along the walls reveals a structure designed to shelter ordinary people, not just soldiers.
The fortification is accessible throughout the year with multiple sections available to explore, and St Helen's Gate provides the primary entrance point. The elevated location offers good views but requires sturdy footwear and careful walking on uneven stone surfaces.
The structure was designed to accommodate approximately 40,000 people during emergencies, making it one of the most ambitious civilian shelter projects of its era. This enormous capacity reveals how seriously the community viewed the threat of invasion.
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