📖 Historical Background
Construction date: 1731–1732
Builder: The Order of St John under Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena.
Dedication: Named after St Anthony of Padua, the Grand Master’s patron saint.
Strategic purpose: Built to guard the eastern entrance to the Gozo Channel, particularly the bay of Mġarr ix-Xini and the passage between Gozo and Comino, which was a vulnerable landing spot for enemy fleets.
It was part of the coastal fortification system of the 18th century, complementing towers, redoubts, and entrenchments.
🏗️ Construction & Design
St Anthony’s Battery is an excellent example of an 18th-century coastal artillery battery, designed with both offense and defense in mind.
Layout:
Originally built in the shape of a pentagon, though today much of the structure is restored.
A semi-circular gun platform facing the sea, with space for up to five cannons.
The rear (landward side) was fortified with a blockhouse for the garrison.
Defensive features:
Surrounded by a ditch (moat) and a caponier (covered passage for defenders).
Access was via a drawbridge, increasing security from land attacks.
Materials: Constructed from local globigerina limestone, like most Hospitaller fortifications.
Garrison: Small, manned by local militia with a handful of knights or soldiers from the Order.
📜 Later History
18th century: Actively manned as part of the coastal defense network.
19th century: Fell into disuse during the British period, as military technology and strategy changed.
20th century: Gradually deteriorated, with parts collapsing due to neglect and exposure to the elements.
21st century: Saved from collapse by the Din l-Art Ħelwa (National Trust of Malta) in partnership with local authorities. A major restoration project began in the early 2000s, stabilizing and partially rebuilding sections of the battery.
👀 Current Status
Restored sections: Much of the gun platform and blockhouse walls have been reconstructed and stabilized.
Condition today: Though still partly a ruin, it is safe to visit and offers a clear sense of its original layout.
Accessibility: Open to the public. Located at Ras il-Qala, the easternmost tip of Gozo, offering spectacular views across to Comino and Malta.
📌 Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Ras il-Qala, Gozo (east tip of the island) |
| Built | 1731–1732 |
| Builder | Order of St John, under Grand Master Vilhena |
| Dedicated to | St Anthony of Padua |
| Type | Coastal artillery battery |
| Original armament | 5 cannons on sea-facing platform |
| Defenses | Blockhouse, ditch, caponier, drawbridge |
| Current status | Partly restored ruin, open to visitors |
| Managed by | Din l-Art Ħelwa (Heritage Trust) |
✅ Summary:
St Anthony’s Battery in Qala is a 1730s coastal artillery fortification built by the Order of St John to guard the eastern approaches of Gozo. Featuring a semi-circular gun platform and blockhouse, it exemplified 18th-century military engineering. Though it fell into ruin under British neglect, it has since been restored and is now a historic attraction with breathtaking views of the Gozo Channel.
🏰 Visitor’s Guide to St Anthony’s Battery – Qala, Gozo
📍 Location
Ras il-Qala, the easternmost tip of Gozo, overlooking the Gozo Channel.
GPS: 36.032673, 14.334907
It commands stunning views across Comino (Santa Marija Bay, Blue Lagoon) and towards northern Malta.
🏗️ What You’ll See
The Restored Battery:
A semi-circular gun platform with reconstructed sections where cannons once stood.
Remains of the blockhouse, used to house soldiers and store supplies.
Traces of the ditch (moat) and defensive structures.
Interpretive panels explaining the history and restoration.
Panoramic Views:
One of the best vantage points in Gozo.
Clear days allow views across the channel, Comino’s cliffs, and even the north of Malta.
Surroundings:
The site is surrounded by Mediterranean garigue (rocky shrubland with hardy plants).
A quiet, remote setting — expect peace and solitude, broken only by the wind and sea.
📖 Historical Context
Built 1731–1732 by the Order of St John under Grand Master Vilhena.
Named after St Anthony of Padua, patron saint of Vilhena.
Designed to guard the channel between Gozo and Comino, a strategic route vulnerable to enemy landings.
Originally armed with five cannons, manned by a small militia garrison.
Fell into disuse in the 19th century under British rule.
By the late 20th century, it was in ruins, with collapsed walls.
Restoration: In the early 2000s, the heritage trust Din l-Art Ħelwa led a major conservation project. Today it is partly rebuilt, safe to visit, and a landmark of Gozo’s military heritage.
🚌 Getting There
🚗 By Car
From Victoria (Rabat), head east through Nadur and Qala.
Signs for “Ras il-Qala” and “St Anthony’s Battery” are posted in Qala.
Road narrows into a country lane; parking available near the site (unpaved area).
🚌 By Bus + Walk
From Mgarr Harbour, take Bus 303 (Mgarr → Victoria) or Bus 322 (Mgarr → Marsalforn, via Nadur & Qala).
Get off at Qala village (stop: Qala or Parish Church).
Walk about 25–30 minutes (2 km) downhill along country lanes to reach Ras il-Qala.
🚶 On Foot / Hike
Great for walkers — combine with a coastal hike around Qala.
Popular routes: Qala village → St Anthony’s Battery → Dahlet Qorrot Bay.
🕒 Visiting Information
Opening hours: Open-air site – outside accessible at all times.
Entry fee: Free.
Interior access: The interior rooms are usually closed; the restored outer structure and platform are fully accessible.
Best time to visit:
Morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler weather.
Sunset is particularly stunning over the channel.
Accessibility: Pathways are uneven; not suitable for wheelchairs.
⭐ Things to Do Nearby
1. Qala Village (2 km): Charming traditional village with cafés and a Baroque parish church dedicated to St Joseph.
2. Dahlet Qorrot Bay (3 km): Quiet pebble beach with boat houses, good for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Ħondoq ir-Rummien (3 km): A popular sandy swimming spot facing Comino.
4. Comino (short ferry ride): Take a boat from Mgarr or Hondoq to visit Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Tower.
5. Mgarr Harbour (4 km): Bustling ferry port with eateries and views across the channel.
💡 Visitor Tips
Wear comfortable shoes — terrain is rocky and uneven.
Bring water and sun protection — no facilities on site.
Visit early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and better photography.
Combine with a day exploring eastern Gozo, especially Qala and Nadur.
Respect the site — this is a protected heritage monument.
✅ Summary:
St Anthony’s Battery is a 1730s coastal fort built by the Knights of St John to defend Gozo’s eastern shore. Today, its restored remains stand proudly at Ras il-Qala, offering one of the best panoramic views in the Maltese Islands. Free to visit, it is a perfect stop for history lovers, hikers, and anyone wanting to experience Gozo’s tranquil landscape.
