Caponier unearthed in ditch of Vittoriosa Fortifications

Abstract

The preparatory archaeological investigations on the historic fortifications undertaken prior to the commencement of the ERDF restoration interventions by the Restoration Directorate have brought back to light important elements of Malta's military architecture that has been virtually unknown. After the important discoveries of the Punic and late-medieval ramparts at Mdina, and the uncovering of an unrecorded piazza bassa in the flank of St. Michael Demi-Bastion, in Valletta, the Restoration Unit has now unearthed a unique stretch of eighteenth-century outwork defences in the ditch of the Birgu fortifications.