A planimetric and constructional analysis of the fortifications of Valletta and Floriana (Malta 1530-1798)

Abstract

When faced with the considerable problem of analysing such historical monuments as the fortifications of Valletta and Floriana from an architectural point of view, one finds it impossible to ignore the historical facts which are associated with them. It would indeed not have been a complete study if one were simply to describe the separate fortifications as they appear today without commenting upon the historical background leading to their construction. In this respect a chronology of events had to be included in this thesis to illustrate the circumstances involved when the Order was engaged in the slow process of fortifying the Island of Malta. In order to accomplish this study I have relied entirely on documented archives, manuscripts and books of the period in question together with recent publications of the subject. Of great importance were continuous visits to the fortifications themselves in order to understand the problems involved in their construction, the details and quality of workmanship, the scale of the human being in the presence of such monuments - all of which are so difficult to comprehend by simply reading the texts or having a glimpse while driving through the towns. These visits gave me an idea of the difficulties which must have faced the engineers to transfer their designs from paper to solid ground.