Senglea - a gem enclosed by spectacular bastions

Abstract

This article by Fabian Mangion summarises the history of the city of Senglea (L-Isla). It started when Grand Master Juan de Homedes y Coscon decided that l'Isola di San Giuliano, the peninsula facing Birgu, needed to be fortified to ensure that an Ottoman army could not occupy it and, from there, fire at the vessels in the harbour. The first stone of the fort on l'Isola, was laid by de Homedes himself and was inaugurated on May 8, 1552. Senglea is one of the oldest cities of the Maltese islands dating back to the 16th century. This maritime city not only boasts of a rich heritage but also contains many structures built by the Knights themselves, making it one of the heaviest fortified areas on the island. It is indeed a gem enclosed by spectacular bastions, with commanding views, and still guarding the Grand Harbour as it did centuries ago.