Balbani Battery
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Balbani Battery (Maltese: Batterija ta' Balbani), also known as Bengħisa Battery (Maltese: Batterija ta' Bengħisa) or Saint Catherine's Battery (Maltese: Batterija ta' Santa Katarina),[1] was an artillery battery in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John on commands by Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca and was completed in 1721.[2] The battery was named for Cristoforo Balbani, who partially financed its construction.[3] It was one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.[4]
| Balbani Battery | |
|---|---|
Batterija ta' Balbani | |
| Birżebbuġa, Malta | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Artillery battery |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 35°48′58.2″N 14°32′21.4″E |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1721 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Fate | Demolished |
Balbani Battery was part of a chain of fortifications that defended Marsaxlokk Bay, which also included six other batteries, the large Saint Lucian Tower, two smaller De Redin towers, four redoubts and three entrenchments.[3] The nearest fortifications to Balbani Battery were Bengħisa Tower to the south and Fresnoy Redoubt to the west. Construction of the battery cost 1,855 scudi.[5] The mastermind of the battery was architect Burlemarch and at its completion it was armed with eight cannons.[2] It had a pentagonal platform with a blockhouse at the rear, which was also defended by a redan.[6]
The battery was demolished, and its site is now occupied by part of the Malta Freeport.[7] The land where it was is still called Ta' Balbani for the battery.[3]
