Riħama Battery (Vendôme Battery)

Riħama Battery is a coastal artillery battery built by the Order of Saint John in the confirmed 1714–1716 construction programme to help defend St Thomas Bay. It is listed on Malta’s National Inventory as NICPMI Inv. No. 1385 and enjoys Grade 1 protection.

Built: 1714–1716 Type: Coastal artillery battery Plan: Pentagonal platform + large blockhouse NICPMI: 1385 Protection: Grade 1

What it is (and why it matters)

Built to command sea approaches into St Thomas Bay, Riħama Battery originally consisted of a pentagonal gun platform and a large rectangular blockhouse closing the gorge (rear). The official inventory notes that this blockhouse is among the largest constructed for a Hospitaller coastal battery, with multiple rooms and a roof carried on diaphragm arches.

What has changed over time (confirmed)

Collapsed left face: the inventory confirms the platform’s left face is missing after collapsing into the sea.
Lost entrance works: the inventory notes the entrance protection already missing.
19th–early 20th century alterations: confirmed alterations to the blockhouse were made in this period.

Quick links

At a glance

Primary names	Riħama Battery; Vendôme Battery
Also known as	Ducluseaux Battery; Tal-Franċiż Battery; Tan-Naz Battery
Builder	Order of Saint John
Confirmed build window	1714–1716 (programme start in 1714; in service from 1716)
Original form	Pentagonal platform + large rectangular blockhouse sealing the gorge
Confirmed later changes	Blockhouse altered in 19th–early 20th century; left face collapsed into the sea; entrance works missing
Heritage status	NICPMI Inv. No. 1385; Scheduled Grade 1 (G.N. No. 729, 1995)
Ownership / management	Government of Malta / Għaqda Bajja San Tumas (as recorded)