Type Redoubt Open to
the public No Built 1715–1716 Owner Government of Malta | Controlled by Private tenant Condition Ruins Built by Order of Saint John Material Limestone | |
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Crivelli Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Crivelli), also known as Barriera Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott tal-Barriera) or Armier Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott tal-Armier), is a redoubt in Armier Bay, limits of Mellieħa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John in 1715–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands. Today, the redoubt lies in ruins.
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In the early 19th century, Crivelli Redoubt was also known as La Canniere Redoubt.
History
Crivelli Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of the first building programme of coastal fortifications in Malta. It was part of a chain of fortifications that defended the northern coast of Malta, which also included Aħrax Tower, several batteries, redoubts and entrenchments. The nearest fortifications to Crivelli Redoubt are Vendôme Battery to the west and the Louvier Entrenchment to the east.
The redoubt was named after the Prior of Capua, Ferdinando Crivelli, who financed the 955.20.11.1 scudi needed for its construction. It was probably designed by the French engineer Philip Maigret.
The redoubt consists of a pentagonal platform with a low parapet. A rectangular blockhouse with two rooms is located at the centre of its gorge, and the main entrance has an inscription making reference to the knight Crivelli. The redoubt is surrounded by a ditch, which is partially rock hewn. It was not armed with any artillery.
Present day
Today, most of the redoubt still exists, but it is in ruins. The left wall of the blockhouse and part of the roof have collapsed, while the facade is also unstable.
Despite this, Crivelli Redoubt is the best preserved redoubt in Mellieħa, since the others have been demolished or are in a worse state of preservation.