Floriana Lines

The Floriana Lines are a line of fortification in Floriana, Malta. They form the outer defences of the capital city, Valletta.

History

The lines were largely built between 1635 and the 1640s, during the reign of Grand Master Antoine de Paule. The fortifications were built to strengthen the land front of Valletta, since the existing fortifications were not strong enough to withstand a large attack. The new line of fortifications was named after the military engineer who was responsible for its design, Pietro Paolo Floriani. The lines were modified in 1670 upon the arrival of Count Antonio Maurizio Valperga. The lines were fully finished in the early 18th century. Eventually, the town of Floriana was developed in the area between the Floriana Lines and the original Valletta Land Front.^[1]

During the French occupation of Malta and the subsequent Maltese insurrection, the lines were under French control. The Maltese built Tas-Samra Battery and a battery on Corradino to bombard the Floriana Lines.

After the British captured Malta in 1800, the lines remained a functional military establishment. A number of alterations were made, including the enlargement of Porte des Bombes, the demolition of some other gates,^[2] and the addition of gunpowder magazines and traverses.

In the 1970s, parts of the covertway and glacis were destroyed to make way for large storage tanks.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fortresses in Floriana.

• National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands